chmod Calculator

Calculate Linux/Unix file permissions interactively and convert between octal values (e.g. 755, 644) and symbolic rwx notation.

This tool runs in your browser.
Choose permission sets.

How to use

  1. 01Select Read (r), Write (w), and Execute (x) checkboxes for Owner, Group, and Others.
  2. 02The calculator dynamically calculates the 3-digit octal value and symbolic notation.
  3. 03Copy the generated chmod terminal command to run directly in your bash shell.

FAQ

What do common chmod permissions like 755 and 644 represent?

644 grants read and write access to the owner while group and others can only read. 755 allows everyone to read and execute while only the owner can write.

How are the numeric values for read, write, and execute calculated?

Each permission has a numeric weight: Read (r) = 4, Write (w) = 2, and Execute (x) = 1. The sum of these weights yields a digit between 0 and 7 for each permission group.

Does this tool interact with or modify my server files directly?

No. The calculator operates strictly client-side to generate command strings. It does not establish SSH connections or alter file permissions.