DevOps & Linux3 min read•Updated 2026-09-04
How to Schedule a Cron Job Every 5 Minutes (Syntax & Examples)
Master crontab step values: understand '*/5 * * * *' and avoid common scheduling overlap pitfalls.
MX
MultiToolX Technical Team
DevOps & Infrastructure
Key Takeaways
- The cron expression for every 5 minutes is: */5 * * * *.
- The slash (/) represents a step interval applied to the minute field (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55).
- Always ensure long-running scripts do not overlap with the next 5-minute execution cycle.
1. Understanding Step Syntax in Crontab
Writing '0,5,10,15,20,25,30,35,40,45,50,55 * * * *' is tedious. The shorthand '*/5' divides the 60-minute hour into increments of 5, executing at minute 0, 5, 10, and so on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I run a job every 5 minutes during working hours only?
Use: */5 9-17 * * 1-5 (every 5 minutes between 9:00 AM and 5:55 PM, Monday through Friday).
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