# Run a Cron Job Every 8 Hours

> The cron expression for every 8 hours is 0 */8 * * *: three runs a day at 00:00, 08:00 and 16:00. What each field means, next runs, and shift-aligned variations.

```
0 */8 * * *
```

In plain English: At minute 0, every 8 hours.

0 */8 splits the day into three equal parts, firing at 00:00, 08:00 and 16:00. It fits jobs that follow a three-shift rhythm, or anything that should run a few times a day without bunching up.

## Field by field

| Field | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Minute | `0` | 0 |
| Hour | `*/8` | every 8 hours |
| Day of month | `*` | every day |
| Month | `*` | every month |
| Day of week | `*` | every weekday |

## Variations

- `0 6,14,22 * * *` — aligned to shift changes at 06:00, 14:00 and 22:00
- `0 2-23/8 * * *` — offset to 02:00, 10:00 and 18:00
- `0 */8 * * 1-5` — every 8 hours on weekdays only

## FAQ

### Can I schedule every 5 hours?

Not evenly. 0 */5 * * * runs at 00:00, 05:00, 10:00, 15:00 and 20:00, then again at 00:00 — a 4-hour gap. Only steps that divide 24 (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12) keep a constant interval.

### Is 0 */8 * * * the same as 0 0,8,16 * * *?

Yes. The step is shorthand for that explicit list; use whichever reads more clearly to your team.

## Related schedules

- [0 */6 * * * — Run a Cron Job Every 6 Hours](https://www.devkult.com/cron/every-6-hours.md)
- [0 */12 * * * — Run a Cron Job Every 12 Hours (Twice a Day)](https://www.devkult.com/cron/every-12-hours.md)
- [0 */4 * * * — Run a Cron Job Every 4 Hours](https://www.devkult.com/cron/every-4-hours.md)

Open the interactive page: https://www.devkult.com/cron/every-8-hours