Cron Expression: Every 4 Hours
The expression is 0 */4 * * *. Paste it above to read it in English and preview the next run times. Below: the exact fire times and variations.
The expression
0 */4 * * * runs a job every 4 hours — at 00:00, 04:00, 08:00, 12:00, 16:00 and 20:00 each day.
Field by field
0 fixes the minute to the top of the hour; */4 steps the hour field by 4 across 0–23, giving six runs a day.
Watch the day boundary
Because 24 is divisible by 4, the spacing stays even at midnight: 20:00 to the next 00:00 is still 4 hours. Steps that don't divide 24 (like */5) drift at the boundary.
FAQ
What times does 0 */4 * * * run?
00:00, 04:00, 08:00, 12:00, 16:00 and 20:00 — six times a day.
Does the 4-hour gap stay even at midnight?
Yes. 24 is divisible by 4, so 20:00 to the next 00:00 is still 4 hours.
How do I run every 4 hours only on weekdays?
Use 0 */4 * * 1-5.