Cron Expression Generator
Generate and explain cron expressions visually. Perfect for scheduling tasks, jobs, and automated workflows with human-readable descriptions and next execution times.
Quick Presets
Visual Builder
* = every
0 = midnight
1 = first day
1 = January
0 = Sunday
Wildcard Examples:
- * = every value
- */5 = every 5th value (step)
- 1-5 = range from 1 to 5
- 1,3,5 = specific values (list)
Manual Expression Input
Enter a cron expression to validate and see the schedule
Visual Builder
Build cron expressions visually with intuitive fields and real-time preview.
Next Executions
See the next 5 scheduled execution times in your local timezone.
Human Readable
Get plain English descriptions of your cron expressions.
Common Use Cases
Server Maintenance
Schedule automated backups, database cleanups, and system updates at optimal times.
Data Processing
Run ETL jobs, generate reports, and sync data between systems on a schedule.
Email Campaigns
Send scheduled newsletters, notifications, and automated email sequences.
Monitoring & Alerts
Run health checks, monitor system metrics, and trigger alerts based on conditions.
Content Publishing
Schedule blog posts, social media updates, and content releases automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cron expression?
A cron expression is a string of five fields separated by spaces that represents a schedule. The fields are: minute (0-59), hour (0-23), day of month (1-31), month (1-12), and day of week (0-6, where 0 is Sunday). Special characters like * (any), / (step), - (range), and , (list) can be used to create complex schedules.
What does * mean in a cron expression?
The asterisk (*) is a wildcard that means "every" or "any". For example, * in the minute field means every minute, * in the hour field means every hour, and so on. The expression * * * * * would run every minute.
How do I create a cron job that runs every 5 minutes?
Use the expression */5 * * * * - this uses the step value (/) to run every 5 minutes. The */5 in the minute field means "start at 0 and increment by 5", so it will run at :00, :05, :10, :15, etc.
What timezone are cron jobs executed in?
Cron jobs typically run in the server's local timezone. Our tool displays next execution times in your browser's timezone to help you understand when jobs will run relative to your location. Always verify the timezone settings on your actual cron scheduler or server.
Can I run a cron job on specific days of the week?
Yes, use the day of week field (fifth field). For example, 0 9 * * 1-5 runs at 9 AM Monday through Friday (weekdays). Days are numbered 0-6 where 0 is Sunday and 6 is Saturday. You can also use comma-separated values like 1,3,5 for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
What's the difference between day of month and day of week?
Day of month (third field) specifies calendar days (1-31), while day of week (fifth field) specifies weekdays (0-6). If both are specified (not *), the job runs when either condition is met. For example, 0 0 1 * 1 runs on the 1st of the month OR on Mondays.
How can I test my cron expression before deploying?
Use this tool to validate your expression and see the next execution times. This helps you verify the schedule works as expected before adding it to your crontab or task scheduler. Always check that the execution times match your intended schedule.