Cron Expression Parser & Generator
Parse any cron expression into a plain-English schedule, build one visually with the field selector, and preview the next run times — free and with no sign up required.
✍ Cron Expression
Minute
Hour
Day(M)
Month
Day(W)
💬 Human-Readable Explanation
...
🔧 Visual Builder
📅 Next 10 Scheduled Runs
⚡ Preset Templates
📚 Cron Cheat Sheet
💡 How to Use
- Type a cron expression directly in the input field or use the visual builder below.
- The human-readable explanation updates in real-time as you type or build.
- Use the visual builder to select each field type (every, specific, range, or interval).
- Check the "Next 10 Runs" section to verify the schedule matches your expectations.
- Use preset templates for common schedules, or the cheat sheet for reference.
❓ FAQ
What is a cron expression?
A cron expression is a string of 5 fields separated by spaces that defines a schedule. Each field represents: minute, hour, day of month, month, and day of week. Cron is widely used in Unix-like systems to schedule recurring tasks.
What does the asterisk (*) mean in cron?
The asterisk means "every possible value" for that field. For example, * in the minute field means every minute, while * in the hour field means every hour.
How do I schedule a job to run every 5 minutes?
Use the expression */5 * * * *. The */5 in the minute field means "every 5th minute". You can change 5 to any interval you need.
Can I use names for months and days?
Yes! You can use three-letter abbreviations: JAN-DEC for months (fields 4) and SUN-SAT for days of the week (field 5). They are case-insensitive and equivalent to their numeric values.
What is the difference between 5-field and 6-field cron?
Standard cron uses 5 fields (minute, hour, day of month, month, day of week). Some systems add a 6th field for seconds at the beginning. This tool uses the standard 5-field format.