How the 4 on 4 off schedule works
The 4 on 4 off rotation is simple to explain and easy to plan around: the same pattern every 8 days, with half the days of the year off.
An 8-day cycle
Four 12-hour shifts followed by four days off. The days you work move forward by one weekday each cycle.
Four crews, 24/7
Crews A and B alternate on days, C and D on nights, so every hour of every day is covered.
About 42 hours a week
Four 12-hour shifts every 8 days average 42 hours a week; overtime above 40 hours is shown per week.
Locks and changes
Tap any cell to change it. Manual changes stay locked when you regenerate the rest of the schedule.
When to use 4 on 4 off
4 on 4 off schedule examples
Three sample weeks made with the generator. Use the arrows to see them all.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours is 4 on 4 off?
With 12-hour shifts, 4 on 4 off is 48 hours in 8 days, about 42 hours a week on average.
Can I use 10-hour shifts instead?
Yes, change the shift times in the Shifts step; hours, rest and overtime are recalculated automatically.
Can I make a weekly or two-week schedule?
Yes. In Period & rules choose a week, a half month, a month or a custom range of up to three months.
Can I schedule several locations at once?
Yes, in one schedule. In the Shifts step click “I have several locations”: each location gets its own shifts and coverage, and in Team you mark where each person works. Staff fixed to a location only work there; staff who float rotate between locations, never two on the same day and always with their rest between shifts. Fixed rotations like this one keep working: each crew follows its pattern at its own location. You can view, print and export each location separately.