Cron Expression: Every 6 Hours
The expression is 0 */6 * * *. Paste it above to read it in English and preview the next local run times.
The expression
0 */6 * * * runs a job every 6 hours on the hour: 00:00, 06:00, 12:00 and 18:00.
Field by field
The 0 pins it to :00; */6 steps through the 0–23 hour range in sixes.
Equivalent form
0 0,6,12,18 * * * is identical and spells out the four hours.
Common variations
Every 4 hours: 0 */4 * * *. Every 8 hours: 0 */8 * * *.
FAQ
How many times a day does 0 */6 * * * run?
4 times — at 00:00, 06:00, 12:00 and 18:00.
Is 0 */6 * * * the same as 0 0,6,12,18 * * *?
Yes, exactly the same four run times.
How do I run every 8 hours instead?
Use 0 */8 * * * for 00:00, 08:00 and 16:00.