24/72 Firefighter Shift Schedule Calculator

Analyze firefighter shift schedules, staffing needs, yearly absences, and operational buffer impacts for fire departments considering a 24/72 schedule.

Current Schedule

Current Schedule

Total personnel available in Ops currently Assigned operational headcount used to cover daily staffing.

Daily minimum staffing (before OT) Minimum seats you must fill each day without overtime backfill.

Average yearly absences per person (shifts) Total shifts missed per person per year (PTO, sick, training, injury, worker's comp, etc.).

Assumptions: 364 days/year (52 weeks), 24 hours/shift. Hours per seat-year = 8,736.

Proposed Schedule

Proposed Schedule

Daily minimum staffing needed (before OT)Minimum seats you must fill each day without overtime backfill.

Average yearly absences per person (shifts)Total shifts missed per person per year (PTO, sick, training, injury, worker's comp, etc.).

Target buffer (people)Optional. Leave blank to use Current buffer.

Buffer: The number of on-duty personnel available above the minimum daily staffing requirement after expected absences are accounted for.

Total personnel needed is computed so the buffer headcount stays the same as Current — unless you enter a Target buffer above.

Current daily buffer (fixed number)

—

Current daily on-duty avg − minimum staffing

Total personnel needed for proposed schedule

—

Based on Proposed scenario

Additional personnel needed for proposed schedule

—

Total needed − current ops

Show calculation details

—

About This Calculator

This firefighter schedule calculator helps fire departments compare 24/72, 24/48, and custom shift schedules by estimating staffing needs, operational buffer, and available hours per person. You can also view a 24/72 firefighter shift calendar example to visualize the rotation with Kelly and debit days.

Use it to evaluate minimum staffing coverage, yearly absences, Kelly shifts, debit shifts, and the personnel impact of schedule changes.