How to make a 4 on 4 off or 24/48 shift schedule
Short answer: write one cycle of your rotation as a sequence, pick the date the cycle starts, and repeat it across the calendar. Then mark the exceptions on individual days.
1. Write one cycle
- 4 on 4 off: D D N N O O O O (8 days)
- 2-2-3 (Panama): D D O O D D D, O O D D O O O… (14 days)
- 24/48: 24 O O (3 days)
- 48/96: 24 24 O O O O (6 days)
- DuPont: 4 nights, 3 off, 3 days, 1 off, 3 nights, 3 off, 4 days, 7 off (28 days)
2. Pick the start date
Choose a day you know is the first shift of the cycle. Every crew uses the same sequence with a different start date.
3. Repeat and check
Fill the month by repeating the sequence, then check a date you already know (next Christmas, a past night shift) to confirm it lines up.
4. Add the exceptions on top
Overtime, swaps and leave belong to single dates. Don't change the pattern for them.
Doing it with Dutymark
Pick a preset (4 on 4 off, 2-2-3, 24/48, 48/96, DuPont, Panama) or tap your shifts in order, set the start date, and the month and full-year view fill in. Name and color each shift and set its times.
FAQ
What is a 4 on 4 off schedule?
Four shifts worked, then four days off, repeating every 8 days. Often split as 2 days then 2 nights: D D N N O O O O.
What does 24/48 mean?
A 24-hour shift followed by 48 hours off, a 3-day cycle common for firefighters. 48/96 is two days on and four off.
How do I handle my crew starting on a different day?
Keep the same pattern and change only the start date. Each crew (A, B, C, D) is the same sequence shifted by a few days.