Templates
Shift Plan Template for Excel and Google Sheets free & workplace-ready
Free · Version 2026.10
Assign early, late and night shifts across your team, with hours, cost and rest periods checked automatically. The free shift plan template works in Excel and Google Sheets and covers the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States.
- 100% free
- Workplace-ready
- Excel & Google Sheets
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Frequently asked questions about Shift plan Excel template
Is there a maximum shift length in the UK?
There is no fixed maximum, but the 11-hour daily rest rule caps a shift at 13 hours, and average working time must not exceed 48 hours a week over 17 weeks unless the worker has opted out (Working Time Regulations 1998, regs 4 and 10). In the US there is no federal limit for adults; overtime at time and a half applies after 40 hours a week. (Source: [dol.gov](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa))
What is a shift plan?
A shift plan is a schedule that shows who works which time block across days or weeks, especially when you rotate early, late, and night shifts or run 24/7 cover. UK teams often call it a shift rota; US teams may say shift schedule. Employers use it to match staffing to demand, plan rest between shifts, and give people advance notice. A spreadsheet template adds automatic hour totals on top of that grid.
Is the shift plan template free, and does it work in Excel and Google Sheets?
Yes. You download it free of charge after a short form and get an Excel file (.xlsx, Excel 2016 or Microsoft 365) and a Google Sheets copy. Excel and Sheets contain the same 11 sheets: Instructions, Shift plan, Employees, Shifts, Cost overview, Compliance, Dashboard, Settings, Bank holidays, Legal basis, Ordio.
Which countries does the template cover?
The United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States. Pick the country and region on the “Settings” sheet; check values, holidays and currency then switch automatically.
Which values does the template use for the United Kingdom?
The defaults include: Notice above h/day: 8; Maximum h/day: 13; Notice above h/week: 48; Minimum daily rest h: 11; Break 1 above h: 6; Break 1 min: 20; National Living Wage £/h (21+): 12.71 £/h. Each value links to its source on the “Settings” sheet and can be overridden.