What Is a 5-5-4 Schedule?

A 5-5-4 schedule is a 15-day, 12-hour rotation run by three crews.

How the 5-5-4 rotation works

Each crew works 5 day shifts, takes 5 days off, then works 4 night shifts before a final day off. Three crews are staggered five days apart, so the site always has one crew on days, one on nights, and one resting.

The 5-5-4 is popular in warehousing and logistics because it gives 24/7 coverage with only three crews. The cost is the flip between day and night shifts inside a single 15-day cycle, which can be hard on sleep.

Crew	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15
A	D	D	D	D	D	O	O	O	O	O	N	N	N	N	O
B	N	N	N	N	O	D	D	D	D	D	O	O	O	O	O
C	O	O	O	O	O	N	N	N	N	O	D	D	D	D	D

Day Night Off

One 15-day 5-5-4 rotation for all three crews, showing the day-to-night flip.

5-5-4 schedule: pros and cons

Pros

·24/7 coverage with only three crews
·Predictable rotation
·Six days off out of every fifteen
·Works well for warehousing and logistics

Cons

·Flips from day to night within one cycle
·Nine work days out of fifteen
·More complex to explain

Build your schedule

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Team members(one per line or comma)

Shift pattern

5-5-4 (3 crews · 12h)

Start date

Weeks

Shift type

Shift hours (optional)

Day start

Day end

Night start

Night end

Team constraints (optional)

Min people per shift

Days off (one per line, e.g. Alice: Mon, Fri)

Preferences (one per line, e.g. Bob: night)

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Frequently asked questions

What is a 5-5-4 schedule?

A 5-5-4 schedule is a 15-day rotating pattern with three crews on 12-hour shifts. Each crew works 5 day shifts, takes 5 off, then works 4 night shifts.

How many crews does a 5-5-4 schedule need?

Three crews, staggered so one is always on day shift, one on night shift, and one off.

Why do warehouses use a 5-5-4 schedule?

It keeps 24/7 coverage with only three crews and a predictable rotation. Employees know their schedule weeks ahead.

How many days do you work on a 5-5-4 schedule?

Nine days out of every fifteen: five day shifts and four night shifts, with six days off.

Is a 5-5-4 schedule hard on employees?

The switch from five day shifts to four night shifts within one cycle can be tough on sleep, but the six days off help.

Compare other patterns: 2-2-3 schedule, DuPont schedule, and 4 on 2 off schedule. Want a different rotation? Use the free staff schedule maker for any pattern.