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Chmod Calculator

Free

Linux file permissions calculator with symbolic and numeric notation

chmodpermissionslinuxunixfile
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How it works

1

Select

Set permissions for owner, group, and others using checkboxes for read, write, and execute.

2

Calculate

The tool instantly shows the numeric (e.g. 755) and symbolic (e.g. rwxr-xr-x) representations.

3

Copy

Copy the chmod command or permission value to use in your terminal or scripts.

Frequently asked questions

What do the permission numbers mean?+
Each digit represents permissions for owner, group, and others. Read is 4, write is 2, execute is 1. Add them for combined permissions: 7 means read+write+execute, 5 means read+execute.
Is this calculated on a server?+
No. The calculation runs entirely in your browser. Nothing is sent to any server. It is pure math based on the permission bits you select.
What is the difference between numeric and symbolic notation?+
Numeric notation like 755 is compact and common in scripts. Symbolic notation like rwxr-xr-x is more readable, showing read (r), write (w), and execute (x) for each user category.
What permissions should I use for common files?+
Common values: 644 (rw-r--r--) for regular files, 755 (rwxr-xr-x) for executables and directories, 600 (rw-------) for private files, and 700 (rwx------) for private directories.
Does it support special permissions like setuid?+
Yes. The calculator supports the special permission bits: setuid (4), setgid (2), and sticky bit (1), which appear as a fourth leading digit in the numeric notation.