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Cron Parser

Time

Parse and explain cron expressions

Paste a cron expression like `0 9 * * 1-5` and get a plain-English explanation of exactly when it fires, or build the schedule field by field (minute, hour, day, month, weekday) and watch the expression assemble itself as you go. It supports standard 5-field cron, the format crontab, GitHub Actions, and most schedulers actually use. Cron expressions are timezone-agnostic by nature, so the explanation describes the schedule in relative terms rather than pinning it to a specific zone, since that's determined by wherever your scheduler actually runs. This tool explains what a schedule means in words; it doesn't compute actual future timestamps. For that, the companion Cron Next Runs tool lists the next N real run times rather than just describing the pattern.

cronscheduletime

How to use Cron Parser

  • 1.Paste a cron expression like `0 9 * * 1-5` to get a plain-English explanation of exactly when it runs.
  • 2.Build a schedule field by field (minute, hour, day, month, weekday) and see the resulting expression update live.
  • 3.Use the Cron Next Runs tool alongside this one to preview the actual next N run timestamps, not just a description.

Frequently asked questions

Does this support standard 5-field cron or 6-field with seconds?
Standard 5-field cron (minute, hour, day-of-month, month, day-of-week) is supported, matching the format used by crontab, GitHub Actions, and most schedulers.
What timezone are the explanations in?
Cron expressions themselves are timezone-agnostic; the explanation describes the schedule in relative terms (e.g. "every weekday at 9am") based on whatever timezone your scheduler is configured to run in.
How do I schedule something "every 15 minutes"?
Use a step value: `*/15 * * * *` runs every 15 minutes. This tool will show you the plain-English translation to confirm it's doing what you expect.
Can I see the actual next run times, not just a description?
Yes — use the companion Cron Next Runs tool, which computes and lists the next N actual timestamps for any expression.

Use via API, SDK, or MCP

cURL# Free: 1,000 req/day · Pro: 10,000 req/day
curl -X POST https://api.utilix.tech/v1/tools/cron-describe \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer utx_live_..." \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"expression": "0 9 * * 1-5"}'

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