Cron expression parser & scheduler
Parse and validate cron expressions with human-readable explanations. See the next 10 execution times and build expressions with an interactive helper.
- Free, no sign-up
- No data stored
- Reviewed 2026-08-01
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About the Cron Expression Parser
Cron expressions define recurring schedules in Unix-like systems, CI/CD pipelines, cloud schedulers, and task automation tools. This parser takes any standard 5-field cron expression and translates it into plain English so you know exactly when your job will fire.
Enter an expression to see the next 10 upcoming execution times in your local timezone. The tool validates syntax, highlights errors in specific fields, and explains each component (minute, hour, day-of-month, month, day-of-week).
Use the interactive builder to construct expressions visually if you are not comfortable with cron syntax. Supports standard cron, as well as extended 6-field syntax (with seconds) and common predefined strings like @daily, @hourly, and @weekly.
How to use the Cron Expression Parser
- Enter a cron expression (e.g., "0 9 * * 1-5" for weekdays at 9 AM).
- Read the human-readable description generated below the input.
- Review the next 10 scheduled execution times in your timezone.
- Use the visual builder to adjust individual fields if needed.
- Copy the validated expression for use in your crontab or scheduler.
Frequently asked questions
What do the five fields mean?
From left to right: minute (0–59), hour (0–23), day of month (1–31), month (1–12), and day of week (0–7, where 0 and 7 are Sunday). Use * for "every", / for steps, and - for ranges.
Does this support seconds?
Yes. If you enter a 6-field expression, the first field is treated as seconds (0–59). This extended format is used by Spring Scheduler, Quartz, and some cloud services.
What timezone are the next run times shown in?
Times are displayed in your browser's local timezone by default. You can switch to UTC or any IANA timezone using the dropdown selector.
Can I use special strings like @daily?
Yes. The parser recognises @yearly, @annually, @monthly, @weekly, @daily, @midnight, and @hourly. They are converted to their equivalent 5-field expressions for display.
Sources
Figures are estimates for guidance only. Always confirm with the official source or a qualified professional before acting on them.