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Chmod Calculator

Calculate Unix file permissions. Toggle checkboxes or use presets.

755
rwxr-xr-x
chmod 755 filename
Read (4)
Write (2)
Execute (1)
Owner
Group
Others

Unix file permissions control who can read, write, and execute files. Every file has three permission groups: owner (the user who created it), group (users in the file's group), and others (everyone else). Each group can have read (r), write (w), and execute (x) permissions.

Permissions are represented in two ways: symbolic notation like rwxr-xr-x (9 characters, 3 per group) and numeric/octal notation like 755. In octal, each digit is the sum of: read=4, write=2, execute=1. So 7 (4+2+1) means full access, 5 (4+1) means read+execute, and 0 means no access.

Common permission sets: 755 for executable files and directories (owner full, others read+execute), 644 for regular files (owner read+write, others read-only), 600 for private files (owner only), and 777 for full access (avoid in production — security risk). The chmod command changes permissions: chmod 755 filename.

This tool in other languages:

Français:
Calculateur chmod

Español:
Calculadora chmod

Deutsch:
Chmod-Rechner

Português:
Calculadora chmod

日本語:
chmod計算機

中文:
chmod 权限计算器

한국어:
chmod 권한 계산기

العربية:
حاسبة صلاحيات chmod

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate chmod permissions online?

Toggle the 9 checkboxes (read/write/execute for owner/group/world) to build your permissions. The numeric (e.g. 755), symbolic (rwxr-xr-x), and full chmod command update in real-time. Click a preset like 755 or 644 for common defaults.

What does chmod 755 mean?

Owner can read, write, and execute (7 = 4+2+1). Group and world can read and execute (5 = 4+0+1) but not write. This is the standard permission for executable scripts and directories.

What is the difference between chmod 644 and 755?

644 gives owner read/write, others read-only — standard for regular files. 755 adds execute permission for owner/group/world — use for executable files and directories (directories need execute to be traversable).

What are the most common chmod values and when should I use them?

644 = files (owner write, others read). 755 = directories, scripts (all can execute). 600 = private config files, SSH keys (owner only). 700 = private executables. 777 = world-writable (avoid — security risk).

Why is chmod 777 dangerous?

It lets any user on the system read, modify, and execute the file. On a shared server, any compromised account or process can alter 777 files, inject malicious code, or read secrets. Use the most restrictive permission that still works — rarely is 777 actually necessary.