# Run a Cron Job Every 12 Hours (Twice a Day)

> The cron expression for every 12 hours is 0 */12 * * *. It runs at midnight and noon — see the breakdown and how to pick other anchor times.

```
0 */12 * * *
```

In plain English: At minute 0, every 12 hours.

0 */12 * * * runs twice a day, at 00:00 and 12:00. Midnight-and-noon is the default twice-daily rhythm; if you'd rather run at, say, 06:00 and 18:00, list the hours explicitly instead of using a step.

## Field by field

| Field | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Minute | `0` | 0 |
| Hour | `*/12` | every 12 hours |
| Day of month | `*` | every day |
| Month | `*` | every month |
| Day of week | `*` | every weekday |

## Variations

- `0 6,18 * * *` — twice daily at 06:00 and 18:00
- `30 8,20 * * *` — twice daily at 08:30 and 20:30
- `0 0 * * *` — reduce to once a day at midnight

## FAQ

### How do I run twice a day at custom times?

Use a comma list in the hour field: 0 6,18 * * * runs at 06:00 and 18:00. Steps always anchor at the range start, so lists are clearer for specific times.

### Does */12 ever run at 12:00 only?

No — the step from hour 0 matches both 0 and 12. If you want noon only, write 0 12 * * *.

## Related schedules

- [0 */6 * * * — Run a Cron Job Every 6 Hours](https://www.devkult.com/cron/every-6-hours.md)
- [0 0 * * * — Run a Cron Job Every Day at Midnight](https://www.devkult.com/cron/every-day-at-midnight.md)
- [0 9 * * * — Run a Cron Job Every Day at 9 AM](https://www.devkult.com/cron/every-day-at-9am.md)

Open the interactive page: https://www.devkult.com/cron/every-12-hours