What does this tool do?
The Crontab Explainer turns a cron expression you paste (for example '30 2 * * 1-5') or a named schedule like @daily into a plain-English sentence, then breaks down each of the five fields. It saves time for anyone inheriting a crontab file or trying to decode someone else's schedule.
How to use it
- Enter your values into the fields.
- The result is calculated instantly.
- Read or copy the result.
Named schedules
Instead of memorizing numbers, you can type shortcuts: @yearly and @annually map to '0 0 1 1 *', @monthly to '0 0 1 * *', @weekly to '0 0 * * 0', @daily and @midnight to '0 0 * * *', and @hourly to '0 * * * *'. The tool recognizes the alias, expands it to the equivalent five-field expression, and explains it like any other, so you can see exactly what the shortcut does.
Field breakdown
Given a valid expression, the tool shows five boxes: Minute (0-59), Hour (0-23), Day of month (1-31), Month (1-12), and Day of week (0-6, Sunday=0). Each box displays the raw value in that field and its allowed range. It also interprets step patterns like */5, ranges like 1-5, and lists like 1,3,5. If the input is not five fields or is otherwise invalid, a clear error message appears.
Frequently asked questions
Which named schedules are supported?
@yearly, @annually, @monthly, @weekly, @daily, @midnight, and @hourly. Each is automatically expanded to its equivalent five-field cron expression and then explained.
Does it show the next run times?
No. This tool explains what an expression means. To compute upcoming run times, use the companion Cron Generator tool instead.
Is Sunday 0 or 7?
This tool treats Sunday as 0 (the day-of-week range is 0-6). Many systems also accept 7 for Sunday, but here the standard 0-6 notation is used.
Is Crontab Explainer free?
Yes. Crontab Explainer and all 300+ tools on MagmaNex are completely free with no signup or account required.
Is my data safe?
Yes. Everything runs locally in your browser. The data you enter is never sent to a server, stored, or shared.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. Crontab Explainer works on phones, tablets and desktops — no app download needed.
🔒 Privacy: everything runs in your browser, your data is never sent to a server.