Shift patterns explained
Every common rotation in one place. Open any pattern to see how it works and make your own calendar for it.
24/48 Schedule
1 day on (24 hours), 2 days off — repeats every 3 days
56 h/week · 3 platoons
48/96 Schedule
2 days on (48 hours), 4 days off — repeats every 6 days
56 h/week · 3 platoons
Kelly Schedule
On, off, on, off, on, then 4 days off — repeats every 9 days
56 h/week · 3 platoons
24/72 Schedule
1 day on (24 hours), 3 days off — repeats every 4 days
42 h/week · 4 platoons
2-2-3 Schedule (Panama)
2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off on days, then the same on nights — 28 days
42 h/week · 4 teams
Pitman Schedule
2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off — repeats every 14 days, fixed day or night teams
42 h/week · 4 teams
DuPont Schedule
4 nights, 3 off, 3 days, 1 off, 3 nights, 3 off, 4 days, 7 off — 28 days
42 h/week · 4 teams
4 On 4 Off Schedule
4 days on, 4 days off — repeats every 8 days
42 h/week · 4 teams
Continental Shift Pattern
2 days, 2 swings, 3 nights, 2 off, 2 days, 3 swings, 2 nights, 2 off, 3 days, 2 swings, 2 nights, 3 off — 28 days
42 h/week · 4 teams
Southern Swing Schedule
7 days, 2 off, 7 swings, 2 off, 7 nights, 3 off — 28 days
42 h/week · 4 teams
4 On 2 Off Schedule
4 days on, 2 days off — repeats every 6 days
37.3 h/week · 3 teams
4/10 Work Schedule
4 days on (10 hours), 3 days off — every week
40 h/week · 2 teams
Comparison table
| Pattern | Cycle | Shift length | Teams | Avg hours/week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24/48 Schedule | 3 days | 24 h | 3 | 56 |
| 48/96 Schedule | 6 days | 24 h | 3 | 56 |
| Kelly Schedule | 9 days | 24 h | 3 | 56 |
| 24/72 Schedule | 4 days | 24 h | 4 | 42 |
| 2-2-3 Schedule (Panama) | 28 days | 12 h | 4 | 42 |
| Pitman Schedule | 14 days | 12 h | 4 | 42 |
| DuPont Schedule | 28 days | 12 h | 4 | 42 |
| 4 On 4 Off Schedule | 8 days | 12 h | 4 | 42 |
| Continental Shift Pattern | 28 days | 8 h | 4 | 42 |
| Southern Swing Schedule | 28 days | 8 h | 4 | 42 |
| 4 On 2 Off Schedule | 6 days | 8 h | 3 | 37.3 |
| 4/10 Work Schedule | 7 days | 10 h | 2 | 40 |
More: 12-hour shift schedules compared · rotating shift schedules · 9/80 schedule · schedules for firefighters, nurses and police.
Not sure which rotation you are on? Open the shift calendar, pick the closest pattern and compare it with your schedule — or type your own.
Frequently asked questions
What is a rotating shift pattern?
A repeating cycle of work days and days off, often with day and night shifts, that teams follow so an operation is covered around the clock.
Which shift pattern gives the most days off?
Among 24/7 rotations, 12-hour patterns like the 2-2-3, Pitman, DuPont and 4 on 4 off give about half the year off. The 24/72 gives three days off after every 24-hour shift.
Which shift pattern has the fewest hours?
Four-team and four-platoon patterns average 42 hours a week. Three-platoon firefighter patterns (24/48, 48/96, Kelly) average 56.