Cron Expression: Run Every 5 Minutes (*/5 * * * *)
The standard crontab expression to execute a command every 5 minutes is `*/5 * * * *`. This interactive schedule tester validates the expression, translates it into natural language, and simulates the next upcoming execution timestamps entirely in your browser with zero server latency.
#How to Use This Tool
#Mathematical Formula & Standards
#Edge Cases & Technical Considerations
Crontab Step Syntax Compatibility
While `*/5` is standard in Vixie Cron, Cronie, and systemd timers, legacy Unix crons (such as early Solaris) did not support step values. In legacy environments, the equivalent explicit comma-separated syntax is `0,5,10,15,20,25,30,35,40,45,50,55 * * * *`.
Server Timezone Considerations
Cron daemons execute in the system local timezone or UTC depending on server configuration. For multi-region cloud deployments (AWS EventBridge, Google Cloud Scheduler, Kubernetes CronJobs), ensure your cron timezone matches your target application requirements.
Job Overlapping and Concurrency
If a script running every 5 minutes takes longer than 5 minutes to complete, subsequent instances will overlap. To prevent concurrent runs, wrap the command in `flock -n /var/lock/myjob.lock mycommand` or a similar mutex mechanism.
#Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What is the cron expression for every 5 minutes?
The standard cron expression is `*/5 * * * *`. It triggers at minute 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55 of every hour.
Q:How do I run a cron job every 5 minutes between 9 AM and 5 PM?
Use `*/5 9-17 * * *`. This restricts the execution window to hours 9 through 17 (inclusive) while firing every 5 minutes within those hours.
Q:How do I run every 5 minutes on weekdays only?
Use `*/5 * * * 1-5`. In POSIX cron, `1-5` corresponds to Monday through Friday.
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