> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.spike.sh/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.spike.sh/oncall-schedules/create-on-call-schedule.md). # Create On-call schedule Step-by-step guide to setting up an on-call schedule in Spike to define who's on-call, and when, across your team. ## Key components Every on-call schedule is built from layers (covered on the next page). Each layer has four components: 1. **Team members**: the people who will be on-call 2. **Rotation**: how long each on-call shift lasts 3. **Handoff**: the time of day when the shift rotates to the next person 4. **Slots**: optional time windows within a shift (covered separately) ## Create a schedule {% hint style="info" %} Not sure where to start? Spike offers [on-call templates](https://spike.sh/templates/oncall-templates) with pre-built schedule configurations. {% endhint %} Go to the [On-call section](https://app.spike.sh/on-calls) and click **New schedule**.

New schedule button in the on-call section.

### Step 1. Add members Add at least one member. The order determines the rotation sequence. The first member goes on-call first. {% hint style="info" %} Use the live preview calendar while creating the schedule to see how the rotation looks. {% endhint %}

You can rearrange the member order at any time, including while editing an existing schedule. {% embed url="" %} ### Step 2. Select rotation Choose a rotation type that works for your team.

Selecting rotation type for an on-call schedule.

### Step 3. Set handoff time Handoff time is when the current person's shift ends and the next person's begins.

Setting handoff time for an on-call schedule.

Here's what a completed daily rotation schedule looks like: 2 members, rotating daily, with handoff at 11:00 AM. Each member is on-call for 24 hours at a time.

The calendar shows who's on-call at any given time. Use it to plan coverage across upcoming dates.

On-call calendar showing coverage after creating a schedule.

## Add to an escalation policy A schedule only works if it's added to an [escalation policy](/escalations/introduction-to-escalations.md). Without this, alerts won't route to the person who's on-call. Add the schedule to your escalation policy the same way you'd add any team member. You can add it at any step in the policy.

On-call schedule added to an escalation policy.

{% hint style="success" %} Add the schedule at the first step of your escalation policy to route alerts directly to whoever is on-call. {% endhint %}