Shift rota hours calculator
Find out how many hours a week a rota really works out at, from 4 on 4 off and 3 on 3 off to the 2-2-3 Panama pattern, and whether it stays within the Working Time Regulations.
Average hours a week
38.5
3.5 shifts a week on average
- Shifts a year
- 182
- Hours worked a year
- 2,007
- Average hours per 24
- 5.5
- OK: Within the 48-hour weekly average (measured over 17 weeks).
- OK: Within the night worker limit of an average 8 hours in every 24.
How average hours are worked out
Rotating patterns don't line up with a calendar week, so the hours are averaged. A 4 on 4 off rota is 4 shifts in every 8 days, which is 3.5 shifts a week. At 12 hours with a one-hour unpaid break, that's 38.5 hours a week on average.
The 48-hour weekly limit is averaged over 17 weeks, and you can opt out of it in writing. The night worker limit, an average of 8 hours in every 24, can't be opted out of.
Common questions
How many hours is 4 on 4 off?
With 12-hour shifts it averages 42 hours a week paid, or 38.5 hours if each shift has a one-hour unpaid break. That's about 182 shifts a year.
How many hours is 3 on 3 off?
With 12-hour shifts it's also 3.5 shifts a week on average, so 42 hours a week before breaks.
What is a 2-2-3 shift pattern?
Also called the Panama schedule: 2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off, repeating every 14 days. It averages 3.5 shifts a week and gives every other weekend off.