4/10 schedule (four tens)
A 4/10 schedule, or four tens, is four 10-hour work days a week with one extra day off, usually Friday or Monday. It is 40 hours a week, the same as five 8-hour days.
| Crew | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fridays off | D | D | D | D | |||
| Mondays off | D | D | D | D |
Cycle of 7 days, 2 crews, 40 hours a week on average. D = day shift, N = night shift, 24 = 24-hour shift.
How the 4/10 schedule works
- Monday to Thursday with Fridays off, or Tuesday to Friday with Mondays off.
- Each day is 10 hours of work; add your lunch break to the shift length if your day is longer.
- Many US federal agencies offer it as a compressed work schedule, alongside 5/4/9.
- Some employers use a 9/80 schedule instead, with a day off every other week.
Pros
- A three-day weekend every week.
- One less commute a week.
- Still 40 hours a week.
Cons
- Long days: 10 hours plus breaks and travel.
- Holidays that fall on a work day can be harder to schedule.
- Less time on work evenings.
Similar schedules
Other schedules: DuPont, Panama, Pitman (2-2-3), 4 on 4 off, 12x36, 24/48, 48/96, Kelly
Frequently asked questions
- What is a 4/10 schedule?
- Four 10-hour work days a week with a fifth day off, usually Friday or Monday. It totals 40 hours.
- Is 4/10 or 9/80 better?
- 4/10 gives a day off every week with 10-hour days; 9/80 gives a day off every other week with mostly 9-hour days. Both add up to 80 hours in two weeks.
- Can I add a 4/10 schedule to my calendar?
- Yes. Pick Fridays or Mondays off and your start time above, then download the file or subscribe.
Get your roster from a photo, PDF or screenshot instead
Not on a fixed rotation, or does your schedule come as a picture of the board or a PDF each month? Calendar Vision reads it and puts every shift in your calendar.