12-hour shift schedules, compared
Four common rotations that all average 42 hours a week, and how they differ in the part that matters: when your days off land.
Your cycle
Every crew, next 14 days
Take it with you
The link keeps your pattern, crew and start date, so you can send it to a coworker.
12-hour patterns side by side
| Pattern | Cycle | Crews | Avg hours per week | Work days | Longest on / off | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pitman (2-2-3) | 14 days | 4 | 42 | 7 of 14 | 3 / 3 | Fixed days or nights |
| Panama (2-2-3 rotating) | 28 days | 4 | 42 | 14 of 28 | 3 / 3 | Rotates days and nights |
| DuPont | 28 days | 4 | 42 | 14 of 28 | 4 / 7 | Rotates days and nights |
| 4 on 4 off | 16 days | 4 | 42 | 8 of 16 | 4 / 4 | Rotates days and nights |
Choosing between 12-hour rotations
The Pitman, Panama, DuPont and 4 on 4 off rotations all work out to 42 hours a week on average. What changes is the shape of the cycle. The Pitman is short and keeps you on one shift type. The Panama uses the same 2-2-3 rhythm but switches between days and nights every two weeks. The DuPont is long and gives you a 7-day break once every 28 days. The 4 on 4 off alternates evenly between work and rest.
Open any pattern to see it on a calendar with your own start date. The strip and the weekend card show how the days off fall in practice.
Open a pattern: Pitman (2-2-3), Panama (2-2-3 rotating), DuPont, 4 on 4 off.
Questions
Which 12-hour schedule has the longest break?
The DuPont, with 7 days off in a row once per 28-day cycle. The Pitman never gives more than 3 in a row.
Which one keeps me on one shift type?
The standard Pitman does: Crews A and B work days, Crews C and D work nights. The Panama, DuPont and 4 on 4 off all rotate between days and nights.
Do they all average the same hours?
Yes, 42 hours a week, because each one has you working half of the days in the cycle.