Cron Expression Parser
Explain cron expressions in plain English and preview the next scheduled run times.
Explain cron expressions in plain English and preview the next scheduled run times.
Runs at minute 0 of hour 9, on weekdays 1–5
3/26/2026, 9:00:00 AMin 17h 14m3/27/2026, 9:00:00 AMin 1d 17h3/30/2026, 9:00:00 AMin 4d 17h3/31/2026, 9:00:00 AMin 5d 17h4/1/2026, 9:00:00 AMin 6d 17hWhat Is Cron Expression Parser?
Cron Expression Parser is a free online tool that translates cron expressions into plain-English descriptions and shows the next 5 scheduled run times. Cron is a time-based job scheduler used in Unix-like systems to automate recurring tasks — from database backups to report generation. This tool helps developers write, debug, and verify cron schedules without memorizing the syntax.
How to Use Cron Expression Parser
- Type a cron expression into the input field, or click a preset to load a common schedule.
- The tool explains the schedule in plain English instantly.
- The next 5 run times are listed with relative countdowns.
Cron Expression Format
- Field 1 — Minute: 0–59
- Field 2 — Hour: 0–23
- Field 3 — Day of month: 1–31
- Field 4 — Month: 1–12
- Field 5 — Day of week: 0–6 (0 = Sunday)
- * = every value, */n = every n values, a-b = range, a,b = list
FAQ
What is a cron expression?
A cron expression is a string of 5 fields (minute, hour, day-of-month, month, day-of-week) that defines a recurring schedule for automated tasks on Unix-like systems.
What does */5 mean in a cron expression?
*/5 means "every 5 units". For example, */5 in the minute field means the job runs every 5 minutes.
How many fields does a standard cron expression have?
A standard cron expression has 5 fields: minute (0–59), hour (0–23), day of month (1–31), month (1–12), and day of week (0–6, where 0 is Sunday).