2-2-3 ROTATION GUIDE
The 2-2-3 work schedule, made simple
The 2-2-3 schedule—often called a Pitman schedule—alternates short blocks of work and rest across a repeating 14-day cycle. Here is how to read it and turn it into a calendar you can actually use.
Build my schedule freeHow does a 2-2-3 schedule work?
A typical cycle is two days on, two days off, three days on, followed by two days off, two days on and three days off. After 14 days, the pattern repeats.
Many employers use 12-hour shifts with this rotation. One week is usually heavier and the next lighter, averaging about 42 hours per week across the full cycle.
What are the advantages?
The biggest benefit is predictable time off. Workers usually get every other weekend off and rarely work more than three consecutive days.
- A long three-day weekend every other week
- Only two or three workdays in a row
- A predictable repeating pattern
- Fewer commuting days with 12-hour shifts
How to create an accurate 2-2-3 calendar
Start with a date you know is the first workday in your cycle—not simply today. Select 2-2-3, enter that date and choose your shift label. The calendar can then repeat the exact pattern forward and backward.
Add one confirmed payday and your pay frequency to place paydays on the same calendar. Your shift countdown uses the same rotation, start time and shift length.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Is 2-2-3 the same as a Pitman schedule?
The terms are commonly used together. Some workplaces reverse or offset crews, so always match the calendar to a confirmed first workday.
How many days do you work on a 2-2-3 schedule?
You work seven days during each 14-day cycle. With 12-hour shifts, that averages 42 hours per week.
Do you get every other weekend off?
In the standard 2-2-3 pattern, yes. Your exact weekend depends on where your crew begins in the cycle.