chmod Permission Calculator

About chmod Permission Calculator

The chmod Permission Calculator is a free, browser-based tool that converts Unix file permissions between octal (like 755 or 4755), symbolic (like rwxr-xr-x), and decimal forms, and builds the matching chmod command for you to copy. Tick the owner/group/other read-write-execute grid or type any one format, and all the others update instantly — including setuid, setgid, and sticky special bits. Everything runs locally in your browser; nothing is uploaded and there is no signup.

How to use chmod Permission Calculator

1. Tick the read (r), write (w), and execute (x) boxes in the permission grid for the Owner, Group, and Other rows to grant exactly the access you want.
2. Or type a value directly into the Octal field (e.g. 755, or 4755 for special bits) or the Symbolic field (e.g. rwxr-xr-x) — the other formats and the live Octal/Symbolic/Decimal stats update as you type.
3. Toggle 'Advanced: setuid / setgid / sticky bits' to flip the special bits; the panel auto-opens if a 4-digit octal or symbolic input sets one.
4. Edit the 'File name' field to put your real filename into the command preview (it is only used to build the preview and stays in your browser).
5. Click the copy button next to the generated 'chmod ...' command to copy it, and read the plain-English description below it to confirm what the mode grants.

Frequently asked questions

Are my files or data uploaded to a server?

No. The calculator is entirely client-side — permission conversion and the command preview are computed locally in your browser, and the file name you enter never leaves your device.

Is it free and do I need an account?

Yes, it's completely free with no signup, account, or watermark.

What input formats does the octal field accept?

It accepts standard 3-digit modes (000–777) and 4-digit modes for special bits (e.g. 4755 for setuid), using only the digits 0–7, and tolerates an optional 0o prefix. Anything longer than 4 digits or using other characters is flagged with an error message.

How do I enter a symbolic permission like ls shows?

Type the 9-character form such as rwxr-xr-x into the Symbolic field. It also accepts the 10-character ls listing (e.g. -rwxr-xr-x); the leading file-type character is stripped automatically. Each position must be the correct r/w/x letter or a dash, or you'll get a position-specific error.

Can it handle setuid, setgid, and sticky bits?

Yes. Open the Advanced toggle to set them individually (setuid = 4000, setgid = 2000, sticky = 1000), or just type a 4-digit octal like 4755 — the special-bits stat shows 'set' and the advanced panel opens automatically.

Does it apply the permissions to a file on my computer?

No — a browser tool can't change file permissions. It generates the exact chmod command (for example, chmod 755 file) so you can copy it and run it yourself in a terminal.

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