The 3-4-4-3 Custody Schedule
The 3-4-4-3 splits each week into a three-day and a four-day block: one parent has three days, the other four, and the blocks flip the following week. It's a 50/50 schedule with one of the lowest exchange counts of any equal-time rotation.
How the 3-4-4-3 rotation works
Week one: three days with Parent 1, four days with Parent 2. Week two: four days with Parent 1, three days with Parent 2. Every two weeks each parent has 7 overnights — exactly 50/50 — with only about one exchange per week.
Both parents get a mix of weekdays and weekend days in every cycle, unlike weekday/weekend splits where one parent only ever sees school mornings.
Who the 3-4-4-3 works best for
- Families who want 50/50 with fewer handoffs — half the exchanges of a 2-2-5-5, a quarter of a 2-2-3.
- School-age children comfortable with three-to-four-day stretches at each home.
- Parents with rotating work schedules who can anchor their block to fixed days.
Common Questions
Is 3-4-4-3 the same as 4-3?
No. A plain 4-3 repeats identically every week (about 60/40), while the 3-4-4-3 alternates blocks so time evens out to 50/50. See the 60/40 page for the plain 4-3 version.
How is 3-4-4-3 different from 2-2-5-5?
Both are 50/50. The 2-2-5-5 fixes which weekdays belong to each parent; the 3-4-4-3 has fewer exchanges but the day-of-week assignments shift between weeks, so it demands a shared calendar.
Can I see my exact percentage if we tweak it?
Yes — Customize This Schedule lets you tap individual days and shows the exact overnight percentage as you go.
Thinking about a co-parenting class?
Whether a California court ordered it or you just want to co-parent better, our online co-parenting class is free to start. You pay $39.99 only after you pass.
Start The Course For FreeTakes just 60 seconds • No credit card required
More custody schedules
Compare this arrangement with the other common California parenting schedules, or open the full custody schedule calculator: