Skip to content
toolsdocks

Build and explain a cron expression

Type a cron expression or build one field by field, then check its plain-English meaning and upcoming run times.

Runs on your device
Loading tool…

How to use

  1. Type an expression or use the builder fields.
  2. Read the explanation and the next 10 run times.
  3. Pick a time zone to see runs as your server will.

Worked example

0 9 * * 1-5 means “At 09:00, Monday through Friday”.

Supported formats and limits

InputCron expression (5 or 6 fields)
OutputExpression, Explanation, Next runs
Enginecron-parser for schedules; cronstrue for descriptions

Limitations

  • Non-standard extensions (such as L and W in some schedulers) vary by system; check your scheduler's documentation.
  • Next runs are calculated in the time zone you pick; your server or scheduler may use a different one, often UTC.

Questions

Which cron syntax is supported?

Standard 5-field expressions (minute, hour, day of month, month, day of week), or 6 fields with seconds first. Each field accepts *, lists, ranges and steps such as */15, and months and weekdays can be written as names.

Which time zone are the next runs in?

Your device's time zone by default. Pick another IANA time zone to see the runs as a server in that zone would, since many servers and schedulers run cron in UTC.

What does 0 9 * * 1-5 mean?

At 09:00, Monday through Friday. The explanation uses a 24-hour clock.

Guides

Privacy

Runs on your device. Files and text are processed in this browser tab and are not uploaded.

See the privacy policy for how toolsdocks handles data.