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Chmod Calculator

Convert Unix file permissions between octal and rwx symbolic notation.

PermissionOwnerGroupOthers
Read
Write
Execute
Special bits
Octal
755
Symbolic
rwxr-xr-x
Command
chmod 755 file

Formula & methodology

Each permission class (owner, group, others) is a 3-bit value where read=4, write=2, execute=1. The optional leading digit encodes setuid=4, setgid=2 and sticky=1.

Worked example

  • 755rwxr-xr-x · chmod 755 file
  • rw-r--r--644

Frequently asked questions

What does chmod 755 mean?

The owner can read, write and execute (7), while group and others can read and execute but not write (5). It is common for scripts and directories.

What is the fourth (leading) digit?

It sets special bits: 4 = setuid, 2 = setgid, 1 = sticky. For example 4755 sets the setuid bit on an otherwise 755 file.

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