2-2-3 Shift Calculator
How Does the 2-2-3 Shift Pattern Work?
The 2-2-3 — also known as the Pitman schedule or Panama schedule — is one of the most widely used 24/7 shift rotations in the world. Workers follow a 14-day cycle: 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on, 3 days off. Then the whole thing repeats.
Four teams rotate through the schedule so that every shift slot is always covered. Across the 14-day cycle, each team alternates between day shifts (typically 07:00–19:00) and night shifts (19:00–07:00). You will always know your shifts weeks — even months — in advance, which makes planning your personal life far easier than irregular rotas.
The average working week works out to 42 hours when you run 12-hour shifts. In any given fortnight you will work seven shifts, giving you seven rest days. Some of those rest days will fall on a weekend, so roughly every other fortnight you get at least a Saturday or Sunday at home.
The main advantages of the 2-2-3 are its predictability and the fact that your days off repeat on the same pattern every two weeks. This makes it popular with parents who need to arrange childcare, as well as anyone who wants to plan gym sessions, social events, or a part-time second job around their shifts.
The downsides are the long stretches of nights and the "3-on" blocks that can feel tiring, especially if your body has not yet adapted to night working. Some workers also find the 3-day rest stretches go by quickly.
The pattern is used widely across healthcare (A&E departments, ICU nursing, operating theatres), the security industry, manufacturing plants with continuous operations, and emergency services including police and fire.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the 2-2-3 Pitman / Panama card — it should already be pre-selected on this page. Then pick your team letter (A, B, C, or D) to match your actual rota.
- Enter your cycle start date — this is the first day of your current or most recent cycle. If you are not sure of this date, ask your shift manager or check your rota system for the start of the current 14-day block.
- Click "Show my 12-month calendar" — the full year view will appear showing every day in colour: blue for day shifts, dark navy for night shifts, and light grey for rest days. Bank holidays are flagged automatically. Use the date checker in the sidebar to look up any specific date, and use the export button to add your shifts to Google Calendar or download a PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2-2-3 shift pattern?
The 2-2-3 (Pitman or Panama) is a rotating shift schedule where workers do 2 days on, 2 days off, then 3 days on — repeating on a 14-day cycle. Four teams cover 24/7 operations, alternating day and night shifts so every hour of every day is always staffed.
How many hours do you work on a 2-2-3 pattern?
On a 2-2-3 pattern with 12-hour shifts you work 42 hours per week on average. Individual weeks vary — some weeks you'll work 36 hours (3 shifts × 12 hours) and others you'll work 48 hours (4 shifts × 12 hours). Over the 14-day cycle you always complete 7 shifts.
How many weekends do you get off on a 2-2-3 pattern?
On a 2-2-3 pattern you get roughly 7 full weekends off per year where both Saturday and Sunday are rest days. The exact number depends on which team you are on and when your cycle falls relative to the calendar. Use the statistics panel above to see a precise breakdown for your specific start date and team.
Am I working Christmas on a 2-2-3 pattern?
It depends on your team and your cycle start date. Use the date checker in the sidebar — enter 25 December and it will tell you instantly whether you are on a day shift, night shift, or rest day. You can do the same for any bank holiday or date you want to check.
What's the difference between the Panama and Pitman schedule?
The Panama and Pitman schedules are exactly the same pattern — a 2-2-3 rotation on a 14-day cycle. "Pitman" is the original name that dates back several decades. "Panama" became popular in the United States and is now used interchangeably. If your employer calls it either name, the calculator above will work for you.
How do I know which team I'm on?
Your employer assigns you to a team (A, B, C, D — sometimes Red, Blue, Green, Yellow). Each team works the same pattern but offset from the others so the workplace stays covered. Check your employment contract, rota notice board, or pay slip, or ask your line manager. Picking the wrong team in the calculator above will show you the opposite days, so it's worth confirming before you rely on the calendar.
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