How the 2-2-2 schedule works
Each crew works 2 days, 2 nights, then has 2 days off: a 6-day cycle often written DDNNOO. Three crews, two days apart, mean one crew is always on days, one on nights and one is off.
It's a demanding schedule: you work 4 of every 6 days, which with 12-hour shifts averages 56 hours a week, and because the cycle is so short there's never a fully free weekend. Your two days off move earlier through the week, every week.
The fast forward rotation (day, day, night, night) means you never do more than two nights in a row, which many people find easier than long night blocks.
| Crew | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew A | D | D | N | N | · | · |
| Crew B | · | · | D | D | N | N |
| Crew C | N | N | · | · | D | D |
2-2-2 schedule at a glance
- Cycle length
- 6 days
- Shifts per year
- about 243
- Average hours per week
- 56
- Hours in a single week
- 48 to 60
- Weekends fully off per year
- None
- Longest break
- 2 days in a row
- Day shift (typical)
- 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Night shift (typical)
- 7:00 pm – 7:00 am (next day)
Calculated from the rotation itself, assuming the cycle starts on a Monday. Your weekends and holidays depend on how your employer lines up the cycle, so set your own date in the calendar above.
The 4-crew version: 2 days, 2 nights, 4 off
Some sites describe "2-2-2" as a 42-hour schedule. That's true of a different version that adds a fourth crew and two more days off: 2 days, 2 nights, 4 off (8-day cycle). It works the same days and nights in a row but gives a 4-day break every time. Build it in the custom builder as D2 N2 O4: the builder confirms that four crews cover it exactly.
Pros and cons
What people like
- Never more than two nights in a row.
- Forward rotation (days before nights).
- Short work blocks: four shifts at most.
- Simple 6-day rhythm.
What's hard
- About 56 hours a week with three crews.
- Only 2 days off at a time.
- No fully free weekends.
- Constant switching between days and nights.
Who uses the 2-2-2 schedule
Variations
- 3 crews: DDNNOO
- The version in this calendar, about 56 hours a week.
- 4 crews: DDNNOOOO
- 2 days, 2 nights, 4 off, about 42 hours a week. Use the custom builder.
- Continental 2-2-2 (8-hour)
- Two days, two evenings, two nights, two off. See the continental schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What does DDNNOO mean?
It's shorthand for the 6-day rotation: Day, Day, Night, Night, Off, Off. It's also called the 2-2-2 schedule.
How many hours is a 2-2-2 schedule?
With three crews and 12-hour shifts, about 56 hours a week (4 shifts every 6 days). The 4-crew version with 4 days off averages 42.
Do you get weekends off on 2-2-2?
Not on the 3-crew version: with only 2 days off every 6 days, a Saturday and Sunday are never both free of work. The 4-crew version does give some full weekends.
Is 2-2-2 better than 4 on 4 off?
The 4-crew 2-2-2 and 4 on 4 off both average 42 hours. 2-2-2 has shorter blocks and frequent day/night switches; 4 on 4 off has longer blocks and longer breaks.
This page is general information, not legal or payroll advice. Calendars are for personal planning: confirm your official schedule, pay and overtime with your employer.