FIFO guide
FIFO roster calculator — days on site and R&R per year
By FIFO Planner · Published · Last updated
The number of days you spend on site each year depends entirely on your roster pattern. Use this calculator to compare five standard FIFO patterns — or work out your own using the formula below.
Days per year by pattern
| Pattern | Cycle | Days on site/yr | Days R&R/yr | Swings/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/1(14d on, 7d off) | 21 days | 243 | 122 | 17.4 |
| 3/1(21d on, 7d off) | 28 days | 274 | 91 | 13 |
| 4/2(28d on, 14d off) | 42 days | 243 | 122 | 8.7 |
| 8/6(8d on, 6d off) | 14 days | 209 | 157 | 26.1 |
| 7/7(7d on, 7d off) | 14 days | 183 | 183 | 26.1 |
Days are rounded to the nearest whole number. Figures assume a full 365-day year with no incomplete cycles.
How the calculation works
The formula is straightforward. Divide your swing days by the full cycle length (swing + R&R), then multiply by 365:
days on site per year = (swing ÷ cycle) × 365
days R&R per year = (R&R ÷ cycle) × 365
Worked example — 2/1 roster:
- Swing = 14 days, R&R = 7 days, cycle = 21 days
- Days on site per year: 14 ÷ 21 × 365 = 243 days
- Days R&R per year: 7 ÷ 21 × 365 = 122 days
- Complete swings per year: 365 ÷ 21 = 17.4 swings
To calculate for a custom pattern, substitute your swing and R&R lengths into the formula. For a multi-cycle pattern (e.g. 4/1/4/2), add all phases to get the total cycle length.
Pattern comparison at a glance
The 2/1 and 4/2 rosters produce the same annual site days because their on/off ratio is identical (2:1 in both cases). The difference is the rhythm — 2/1 swings are shorter and more frequent; 4/2 swings are longer with longer R&R blocks.
Frequently asked questions
How many days per year is a 4/2 FIFO roster?
On a 4/2 roster (28 days on swing, 14 days R&R, 42-day cycle), you spend approximately 243 days on site and 122 days at home per year. This is the same annual site-day count as a 2/1 roster, because both have a 2:1 on/off ratio.
Which FIFO roster pattern gives the most time at home?
The 7/7 roster gives the most R&R — exactly 183 days at home per year. The 8/6 roster comes next with 157 days. The 3/1 gives the fewest home days at only 91 per year.
How do you calculate FIFO days on site per year?
Divide your swing days by your full cycle length (swing + R&R), then multiply by 365. For a 2/1 roster: 14 ÷ 21 × 365 = 243 days on site per year.
How many R&R days per year is a 2/1 roster?
On a 2/1 roster you spend approximately 122 days on R&R per year, spread across roughly 17 complete swings.
Does the calculation change if my roster doesn't start on 1 January?
The annual average is the same regardless of start date. The formula gives a long-run yearly average — your actual first and last calendar year may include partial cycles that shift the exact count slightly.
Plan your actual roster dates with FIFO Planner
The calculator above gives yearly averages. FIFO Planner shows you the exact dates — every swing start, swing end, and R&R period calculated from your specific start date, with Australian public holidays overlaid for your state.