> 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/introduction-to-layers-in-on-call-schedules.md).

# Layers in on-call schedules

Layers let you stack multiple on-call configurations within a single schedule. When two layers overlap, the higher-numbered layer takes over.

Each on-call schedule can have one or more layers. Every layer has its own members, rotation, handoff times, and slots. When two layers overlap, the higher-numbered layer takes over.

## Example: weekday and weekend coverage

This example has two layers:

* **Layer 1:** Daily rotation among 2 members, covering all days
* **Layer 2:** One person on-call each weekend, rotating weekly from Friday 6 PM to Monday 9 AM

Layer 1 is the base. One of the two members is on-call every day of the week.

<figure><img src="https://1743514643-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-Ln3jS1bJTTsE3yoEcOu%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-5c55bdee9264dcdfb70ba6c2436d65b84e928541%2Foncall-layers-layer1-setup-1.png?alt=media" alt="Single layer on-call schedule with daily rotation"><figcaption><p>Layer 1: daily rotation among 2 members.</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://1743514643-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-Ln3jS1bJTTsE3yoEcOu%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-56bf2d2a2cee4f6ed38689ef2486e1ea2ee2d7c4%2Foncall-layers-layer1-calendar-1.png?alt=media" alt="Calendar view of a single-layer on-call schedule"><figcaption><p>Calendar view with Layer 1 only.</p></figcaption></figure>

Layer 2 covers weekends only. It runs from Friday 6 PM to Monday 9 AM with a weekly rotation.

<figure><img src="https://1743514643-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-Ln3jS1bJTTsE3yoEcOu%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-d2f24924d8b7723ecd2ad0cbc893a7d64586a3e7%2Foncall-layers-layer2-setup-1.png?alt=media" alt="Layer 2 on-call schedule for weekend coverage"><figcaption><p>Layer 2: weekend coverage from Friday 6 PM to Monday 9 AM.</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://1743514643-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-Ln3jS1bJTTsE3yoEcOu%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-eb3e36f4b8b98d9966a75b4bd3e31c82e4af2561%2Foncall-layers-two-layer-calendar-1.png?alt=media" alt="Calendar view with two layers showing weekday and weekend coverage"><figcaption><p>Calendar with both layers: weekday and weekend coverage.</p></figcaption></figure>

Layer 2 was added so the members rotating on Layer 1 get a break over the weekend. Layer 2 overrides Layer 1 from Friday 6 PM to Monday 9 AM.

## How layers work

Layers are ordered sequentially. When two layers share overlapping time windows, the higher layer overrides the lower one. If Layer 1 and Layer 2 overlap, Layer 2 is active during that window. In a three-layer schedule, Layer 3 overrides both Layer 1 and Layer 2 wherever they overlap.

{% hint style="info" %}
Layer order matters. If your weekend layer is Layer 1 and your weekday layer is Layer 2, the weekend layer will never take effect because Layer 2 always takes precedence. There is no limit on the number of layers in a single schedule.
{% endhint %}

## FAQs

### Can I add a layer temporarily?

Yes. You can also use [on-call overrides](/oncall-schedules/override-an-on-call.md) for short-term coverage changes.

### How many layers can I add?

There is no limit. That said, too many layers can make the schedule hard to follow.

### How many members can be added in one layer?

There is no limit.