Developer
Free Cron Expression Parser
Parse cron expressions into plain English and preview next run times.
Common:
Minute
Hour
Day(M)
Month
Day(W)
Means
“Every 5 minutes”
About this tool
A cron expression is a string consisting of five (or sometimes six) fields separated by white space that represents a set of times, normally as a schedule to execute some routine. Working out exactly when a cron expression will run can be difficult and prone to errors.
This Cron Expression Parser translates complex cron syntax into human-readable English instantly. It supports standard 5-part cron syntax (minute, hour, day of month, month, day of week) including all operators like * (any), / (step), - (range), and , (list).
This tool runs entirely in your browser. Whether you are scheduling a Kubernetes CronJob, a GitHub Actions workflow, or a traditional Linux crontab, you can verify your schedule safely here.
How to use
Step 1: Type or paste your 5-part cron expression into the input field.
Step 2: The plain English translation will update instantly below.
Step 3: Use the quick preset buttons for common schedules like 'Every 5 minutes' or 'Every day at midnight'.
Step 4: If you see an error, ensure your expression has exactly 5 parts separated by spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
From left to right: Minute (0-59), Hour (0-23), Day of Month (1-31), Month (1-12), and Day of Week (0-6, where 0 is Sunday).
The asterisk (*) means 'every' or 'any'. For example, an asterisk in the Hour field means the job runs every hour.
The slash (/) defines step values. For example, '*/5' in the minute field means 'every 5 minutes'.
Standard Linux cron uses 5 parts. Some systems (like AWS EventBridge or Spring Boot) use 6 parts (adding seconds or year). This basic parser strictly supports standard 5-part cron to ensure accuracy.