4 working days followed by 4 rest days
A 4 on 4 off rota repeats every eight days rather than every calendar week. That means working days and rest days move through weekdays and weekends over time.
This starter uses four 12-hour day shifts followed by four complete days off. Many employers alternate days and nights, so check the actual order, times and cycle day 1 shown on your official rota before relying on the result.
Calculate dates from the correct cycle start
- Choose a date that you know is the first of your four working days.
- Load the preset, then change the start and end time if your shift is not 07:00–19:00.
- Replace Pattern B with a partner's or colleague's rota, or scan their rota image locally.
- Set the minimum shared break—for example 48 hours—to reveal meaningful time off together.
4 on, 4 off FAQ
How long is a 4 on 4 off cycle?
Eight days: four working days followed by four days off. Because eight does not divide evenly into a seven-day week, the pattern moves through weekdays and weekends.
Can 4 on 4 off include night shifts?
Yes. Some rotas use blocks of days and nights within a longer cycle. Load the starter and add or change blocks to match the exact published rota.
Which date should I enter as cycle day 1?
Use a date you can verify was the first working day in the repeating cycle. An incorrect cycle start shifts every calculated date.