Shift schedule generator with calendar export
This shift schedule generator turns a rotation into a colour-coded calendar in seconds: choose a pattern or type your own, set the start date – and get average weekly hours, free weekends and a rest-time check, plus an export as image or as ICS file for your phone, Google or Outlook calendar.
Source: IETF – RFC 5545: Internet Calendaring and Scheduling Core Object Specification (iCalendar). Updated: .
How it is calculated
A shift schedule is a rotation that repeats after a fixed number of days. This generator continues it from your start date, colours each day by shift and works out how many hours you average.
The rotations at a glance
- Two-shift: a week of earlies (Mon–Fri), a week of lates, weekends off – 14-day cycle.
- Three-shift: early, late, night rotating weekly – 21-day cycle.
- 2-2-3 pattern: 2 days on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off (also known as Panama). Every second weekend is free, popular with 12-hour shifts.
- 4 on, 4 off: 8-day cycle, 3.5 working days per week on average.
- Continuous (simplified): 2 early, 2 late, 2 night, 4 off – 10-day cycle. Real continuous rosters differ by site; use your own pattern for those.
Weekly hours and rest time
Weekly hours are the sum of all shift lengths in a cycle, divided by the cycle days times seven. The tool also checks that there are at least 11 hours between two shifts, the daily rest period of Article 3 of the EU Working Time Directive. Going from a late to an early shift (“quick return”) almost always falls short; employers often have collective rules or exceptions for that. The tool only gives a hint and does not replace a check by your employer or works council.
Getting it into your phone calendar
The ICS file holds every shift as its own event with a time, night shifts ending the next day, optionally with a reminder. Open the file and choose “Import” (iPhone, Google Calendar, Outlook, Thunderbird). Times apply in your calendar’s time zone. Everything stays in your browser.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a shift schedule?
Pick a rotation or type your own pattern from E, L, N, D and “-”, then enter the start date and shift times. The calendar appears at once and can be saved as image or ICS file.
How does a 3-shift schedule work?
Three crews cover early, late and night shifts. Each crew rotates through all three, usually weekly, so the cycle lasts 21 days. Use “Starts at day …” to set your crew.
How do I set my crew or team?
Enter in “Starts at day …” which day of the pattern applies on the start date. If your crew starts the late week on 2 November and the first late day in the pattern is day 8, enter 8.
How do I get the schedule on my phone?
Tap “Download ICS file for your calendar app” and open the file. iPhone, Android (Google Calendar) and Outlook offer to import it; all shifts then appear as events.
How many hours of rest between shifts are required?
The EU Working Time Directive 2003/88/EC requires at least 11 consecutive hours of rest per 24 hours (Article 3). National law and collective agreements can allow exceptions.
What does 2-2-3 mean in shift work?
Two days on, two off, three on, then two off, two on, three off. The rhythm repeats every 14 days and every second weekend is completely free.
Sources and legal basis
- IETF – RFC 5545: Internet Calendaring and Scheduling Core Object Specification (iCalendar)
- EU – Directive 2003/88/EC (Working Time Directive), Article 3 daily rest
As of: · Editorial policy
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