Cron Expression Generator
Build and parse cron schedules — free, with a plain-English description and the next run times. Supports ranges, steps and lists. 100% in your browser.
100% private — runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you enter is uploaded or logged.
Next 5 runs (your local time)
Standard Unix/crontab 5-field syntax. Supports *, ranges (1-5), steps (*/15) and lists (1,15,30). Note the day-of-month / day-of-week rule: if both are restricted, the job runs when either matches. Calculated locally.
How to use the Cron Expression Generator
- Type a 5-field cron expression, or pick a preset.
- Read the plain-English description.
- Check the next 5 run times.
- Adjust ranges, steps or lists as needed.
What you can use it for
- Build a valid crontab schedule
- Understand what an existing cron line does
- Preview the next run times before deploying
- Schedule jobs for weekdays, hours or months
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Browse all free developer tools →Frequently asked questions
How do I run a cron job every 5 minutes?
Use */5 * * * * — the tool shows this in plain English and lists the upcoming run times.
What does */15 * * * * mean?
It runs every 15 minutes, at minutes 0, 15, 30 and 45 of every hour.
How do I schedule a job on weekdays only?
Set the day-of-week field to 1-5 (Monday to Friday), e.g. 0 9 * * 1-5 for 9am on weekdays.
How do the day-of-month and day-of-week fields interact?
If both are set (not *), the job runs when either matches — a common source of confusion this tool accounts for in its next-run times.
How do I run something on the 1st of every month?
Use 0 0 1 * * — midnight on day 1 of every month.