4-on-4-off Holiday Entitlement Calculator

Based on the default pattern below, a typical entitlement is 19.6 days. Adjust the inputs for your exact figure.

4 days
4 days

19.6 days

7 × (4 on ÷ 8 cycle) = 3.5 avg days/week × 5.6 weeks = 19.6 days

Audit note

Rotational entitlement is averaged across the full on/off cycle, then multiplied by 5.6 weeks and capped at 28 days. For 12-hour shifts, track leave in hours rather than days to stay accurate.

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How this calculation works

Rotating rosters, compressed weeks and fortnight patterns don't map neatly onto a Monday-to-Friday week. These calculators average your real days worked across the cycle before applying the 5.6-week multiplier.

7 × (4 on ÷ 8 cycle) = 3.5 avg days/week × 5.6 weeks = 19.6 days

Frequently asked questions

How much holiday on a 4-on-4-off pattern?
Across an eight-day cycle you work four days, averaging 3.5 days a week (7 × 4/8). Multiplied by 5.6 statutory weeks that's 19.6 days of paid holiday a year.
Why average the shifts instead of counting weeks?
A 4-on-4-off cycle doesn't line up with a seven-day week, so counting calendar weeks would be inaccurate. Averaging the days worked across the full cycle gives the true weekly equivalent.
My shifts are 12 hours — should I use hours instead?
For long shifts, measuring entitlement in hours is often clearer. Multiply your average weekly hours by 5.6 to get an hours-based figure you can deduct shift by shift.