FIFO 14/14 vs 8/6 — which roster gives more days off?
Both are repeating FIFO rotations. A 14/14 cycle includes 14 duty days and 14 rest days; an 8/6 cycle includes 8 duty days and 6 rest days. Compare calendar-year counts below.
14/14 FIFO: 2027 annual example
Assumptions: first duty day 1 Jan 2027; 14 consecutive duty days followed by 14 consecutive rest days; no travel-day allocation, overrides or leave taken. A duty day is a calendar date marked by the repeating work/rest cycle, not a shift-hours calculation.
| Month | Duty days | Rest days |
|---|---|---|
| January | 17 | 14 |
| February | 14 | 14 |
| March | 17 | 14 |
| April | 16 | 14 |
| May | 17 | 14 |
| June | 16 | 14 |
| July | 15 | 16 |
| August | 14 | 17 |
| September | 14 | 16 |
| October | 14 | 17 |
| November | 14 | 16 |
| December | 15 | 16 |
| 2027 total | 183 | 182 |
These counts change if the first duty date changes. Calculate your actual annual totals using the interactive planner.
8/6 FIFO: 2027 annual example
Assumptions: first duty day 1 Jan 2027; 8 consecutive duty days followed by 6 consecutive rest days; no travel-day allocation, overrides or leave taken. A duty day is a calendar date marked by the repeating work/rest cycle, not a shift-hours calculation.
| Month | Duty days | Rest days |
|---|---|---|
| January | 19 | 12 |
| February | 16 | 12 |
| March | 19 | 12 |
| April | 18 | 12 |
| May | 16 | 15 |
| June | 16 | 14 |
| July | 18 | 13 |
| August | 19 | 12 |
| September | 18 | 12 |
| October | 17 | 14 |
| November | 16 | 14 |
| December | 17 | 14 |
| 2027 total | 209 | 156 |
These counts change if the first duty date changes. Calculate your actual annual totals using the interactive planner.
Use your actual work-block start date
Both examples start on 1 Jan 2027, have no travel days and do not treat public holidays as free days. Your actual annual totals, time at home and leave opportunities depend on your confirmed swing anchor date and employer rules.
Plan a 14/14 rotation → · Plan an 8/6 roster →