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WorkHoursKit

Custom On-Off Calculator

Create simple work-rest cycles such as 5 on 2 off, 6 on 3 off or 14 on 14 off.

Custom workdays Custom off days Repeating cycle Dated schedule
Privacy: calculations are completed in your browser. The calculator does not require an account or send the entered values to a WorkHoursKit database.

How to use the Custom On/Off Calculator

  1. Enter cycle start date, consecutive workdays, consecutive off days and display length.
  2. Review the values before calculating, especially that the anchor date is the first workday of the cycle.
  3. Select Calculate to generate a repeating custom on/off calendar.
  4. Correct the inputs if the result looks unexpected; a common source of error is using a date from the middle of the work block as cycle day 1.

What this calculator does

Create simple work-rest cycles such as 5 on 2 off, 6 on 3 off or 14 on 14 off. The calculator uses cycle start date, consecutive workdays, consecutive off days and display length to generate a repeating custom on/off calendar.

Schedule results depend on the cycle start date being aligned with day 1 of the real roster. A one-day error in the anchor date shifts every displayed assignment.

Cycle length = consecutive workdays + consecutive days off.

Custom cycles work only when day one is known

A 5-on/3-off or other custom pattern is simple mathematically, but a wrong anchor date shifts the entire calendar. Identify a date that is definitely the first workday of the cycle, then generate forward from that point.

Calculation example

Example input: 5 workdays, 2 off days, starting July 1

Example result: A dated 7-day cycle repeating for the selected period.

Your result will change with cycle start date, consecutive workdays, consecutive off days and display length; check that the anchor date is the first workday of the cycle before comparing it with another system.

How to interpret the result

Named schedules can be implemented differently by employers. Compare the generated pattern with an approved roster before using it for attendance or leave decisions.

The most important verification point is that the anchor date is the first workday of the cycle. Also check for using a date from the middle of the work block as cycle day 1 before using the result in payroll, scheduling, staffing or reporting.

Practical checks before using the result

  • Verify the key assumption: that the anchor date is the first workday of the cycle.
  • Avoid a common error: using a date from the middle of the work block as cycle day 1.

Calculation design and testing notes are documented in the Calculator Methodology and Accuracy Policy.

Related WorkHoursKit tools

Am I Working This Date? Check one calendar date against a known repeating roster cycle. Shift Schedule Generator Turn a custom sequence of shift codes into a dated schedule. 4 On 4 Off Calculator Create a repeating schedule of four workdays followed by four off days. 2-2-3 Shift Calculator Map the generic 2-2-3 work/off cadence and estimate scheduled hours without assuming a day/night rotation.
Important: verify source information, official requirements and workplace policies before using a result for payroll, compliance, scheduling, staffing or employment decisions.