How the 4 on 2 off schedule works
The pattern is 4 shifts on, 2 days off, repeating every 6 days. Because 6 days is shorter than a week, your days off fall one day earlier each week, so they cycle through every day of the week, including weekends, over time.
It's most often run with 10-hour shifts, which averages about 47 hours a week; with 8-hour shifts it's about 37. Set your own shift length under "Shift times" in the calendar.
With three crews two days apart, two crews are working on any given day. Employers use 4 on 2 off to staff long days or seven-day operations rather than strict 24-hour coverage.
| Crew | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew A | D | D | D | D | · | · |
| Crew B | · | · | D | D | D | D |
| Crew C | D | D | · | · | D | D |
With three crews, two are working on any given day. Employers use it for extended-hours coverage rather than strict 24/7.
4 on 2 off schedule at a glance
- Cycle length
- 6 days
- Shifts per year
- about 243
- Average hours per week
- 47
- Hours in a single week
- 40 to 50
- Weekends fully off per year
- about 9 of 52
- Longest break
- 2 days in a row
- Day shift (typical)
- 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
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.
Pros and cons
What people like
- Short work blocks.
- Days off every 6 days, never more than 4 shifts in a row.
- Covers weekends without anyone working every weekend.
- Simple rhythm.
What's hard
- Only 2 days off at a time.
- Days off move every week, so routines are hard.
- Only a handful of full weekends a year.
- With 10-hour shifts, regular overtime.
Who uses the 4 on 2 off schedule
Variations
- 10-hour shifts
- The most common version, and this calendar's default.
- 8- or 12-hour shifts
- Change the length under "Shift times".
Frequently asked questions
What is a 4 on 2 off schedule?
It's a rotation of four work shifts followed by two days off, repeating every six days, so your days off move through the week.
How many hours is 4 on 2 off?
About 47 hours a week with 10-hour shifts, or 37 with 8-hour shifts. A single week can have 40 or 50 hours with 10-hour shifts.
Do you get weekends off on 4 on 2 off?
Sometimes. Because the 6-day cycle drifts through the week, a full Saturday and Sunday off comes around several times a year. The calendar counts yours exactly.
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.