Cron Parser - Explain Cron Expressions
Parse and understand cron expressions with our free online tool. Convert cron syntax to human-readable descriptions. Perfect for DevOps, system administrators, and developers.
Features
- Parse cron expressions - Convert to human-readable format
- Field breakdown - Explain each part of the expression
- Common examples - Quick-load popular schedules
- Format reference - See allowed values per field
- Copy description - Share the explanation
Cron Expression Format
| Field | Values | Special |
|---|---|---|
| Minute | 0-59 | *, /, - |
| Hour | 0-23 | *, /, - |
| Day of Month | 1-31 | *, /, - |
| Month | 1-12 | *, /, - |
| Day of Week | 0-6 | *, /, - |
Special Characters
| Character | Meaning |
|---|---|
| * | Every value |
| / | Step values (e.g., */5) |
| - | Range (e.g., 1-5) |
| , | List (e.g., 1,3,5) |
Common Cron Examples
| Expression | Schedule |
|---|---|
0 9 * * 1-5 | Weekdays at 9 AM |
0 0 * * * | Daily at midnight |
*/15 * * * * | Every 15 minutes |
0 0 1 * * | First of each month |
0 0 * * 0 | Every Sunday midnight |
How to Use
- Enter your cron expression in the input
- View the human-readable description
- See the breakdown of each field
- Use example buttons for common schedules
- Copy the description if needed
FAQs
What format does this support?
Standard 5-field cron format (minute, hour, day, month, weekday).
Does it support 6-field cron?
This tool focuses on standard 5-field format. 6-field formats (with seconds) may not parse correctly.
Can I generate cron expressions?
This tool parses existing expressions. Use a cron generator for creating new ones.
Use Cases
- Understand legacy cron - Decode existing cron jobs
- Verify schedules - Confirm your cron is correct
- Documentation - Add readable descriptions to configs
- Learning - Understand cron syntax