Common 28-day 2-2-3 rotation

Panama 2-2-3 Shift Pattern Calculator

Load a common 28-day Panama 2-2-3 rota, set cycle day 1 and compare it with another rota to locate shared time off.

2 days2 off3 days2 off2 days3 offRepeat on nights
Load this rota and compare The starter remains fully editable. Verify every block against the official rota.
How it works

Alternating 12-hour day and night sections across 28 days

Panama schedules are often described as 2-2-3 because the working blocks alternate between two and three shifts. A common rotating version covers 28 days: a 14-day section on days followed by the equivalent section on nights.

Employers use several Panama variations. This preset is a transparent starting model—not a claim about your employer's rota. Check whether your own pattern swaps days and nights, and confirm exactly where its 28-day cycle begins.

Set it up accurately

Calculate dates from the correct cycle start

  1. Find a confirmed first day of the 28-day rotation, not merely the beginning of a work week.
  2. Load the common Panama preset and compare its sequence with the rota issued by your employer.
  3. Adjust 12-hour start and end times and remove the night section if your team uses a non-rotating variation.
  4. Use the share link so another person can verify their cycle before either of you makes plans.
Common questions

Panama 2-2-3 FAQ

Is every Panama rota identical?

No. The name is used for several 2-2-3 arrangements. Some teams remain on days or nights, while others rotate. Always match the blocks to the official rota.

Why is the common rotating cycle 28 days?

The 14-day 2-2-3 sequence is repeated with the opposite shift type, producing a 28-day day-and-night rotation.

Can I edit the preset?

Yes. Every block, time and label remains editable after the preset loads.

2-2-3 rotation

Understand short week, long week and team phase

A Panama-style schedule alternates two duties, two rest days and three duties, followed by the inverse week. Many 24/7 operations then repeat the structure on nights. The correct result depends on which team phase and day/night section applies on the anchor date.

Week sectionSequenceWorked days
Short week2 on · 2 off · 3 on5
Long rest section2 off · 2 on · 3 off2
Night sectionSame on/off rhythm at nightConfirm local rotation point

Team phase

Two teams can use the same cycle but be offset by several days. The name “Panama” is not enough; cycle day one must come from a known duty.

Day-to-night change

Some employers add transition or training days between sections. Include those blocks rather than assuming an immediate flip.

Shared weekends

The alternating pattern creates different weekend coverage from week to week. Compare exact dates across a full cycle before describing a weekend as free.

Use the preset as a transparent starting point and replace every time or block that differs from the official roster.

NHS and 24/7 services

Other public sector

General patterns

Detailed rota guides

Check the cycle before you compare

Use these guides to understand overnight boundaries, cycle start dates and common setup mistakes.

Police 6 on, 4 off2 early shifts, 2 late shifts, 2 night shifts and 4 rest daysOpen guide →4 on, 4 off4 working days followed by 4 rest daysOpen guide →2 days, 2 nights, 4 off2 day shifts, 2 night shifts and 4 rest daysOpen guide →Panama 2-2-3Alternating 12-hour day and night sections across 28 daysCurrent guideDuPont rotationDays, nights and a seven-day break in a 28-day cycleOpen guide →