Quick start
- Choose Encode for readable text or Decode for percent-encoded text.
- Paste the URL component value, not necessarily a whole URL.
- Turn on plus-spaces when working with form-style values.
Best uses
These are the situations this tool is meant for. If your task is close to one of these, the examples and notes below can help you choose the right inputs.
- Encode a query value that contains &, =, spaces, or punctuation.
- Decode percent-encoded text back into readable text.
- Handle plus signs as spaces for form-style values.
- Check developer examples locally in the browser.
What this calculator is solving
The URL Encode / Decode tool is made for URL components, especially query values. It turns reserved characters into percent-encoded text and decodes them back.
You do not need to memorize the formula first. Start by matching each input label on the calculator to the number, date, unit, or setting you actually have.
The formula in plain language
In plain language: The tool uses percent-encoding for URL components: reserved characters become percent signs followed by two hexadecimal digits. The examples on the page are there so you can compare your inputs with a filled-out calculation before copying the answer.
If that sounds abstract, use the example cards on the calculator page. They show a complete set of inputs and the kind of answer you should expect.
How to read the answer
Read the headline result first. Then look at the smaller supporting lines because they explain the parts behind the answer, such as totals, units, ranges, or formula steps.
- The main answer is the encoded or decoded text.
- Spaces line shows whether spaces used %20 or plus signs.
- Input and output length help spot accidental extra characters.
Common mistakes to avoid
If the answer looks strange, the most likely cause is a small input mismatch: the wrong unit, date, weight, scale, mode, or policy assumption.
- Do not encode a full URL the same way as one query value.
- Do not decode the same value repeatedly unless you know it was double-encoded.
- Use plus mode only for form-style values where plus means space.
Research and references
These references shaped the calculator assumptions, unit choices, or safety notes.
Examples from the calculator
price%3D10%26tax%3D2
price=10&tax=2
hello+tools when plus mode is on
FAQ in plain language
When should I use the URL Encode / Decode?
Use it when your task matches one of these common needs: Encode a query value that contains &, =, spaces, or punctuation. Decode percent-encoded text back into readable text. It works best when you already know the values, dates, units, or settings the page asks for.
What is the URL Encode / Decode doing with my inputs?
In plain language: The tool uses percent-encoding for URL components: reserved characters become percent signs followed by two hexadecimal digits. The examples on the page are there so you can compare your inputs with a filled-out calculation before copying the answer.
What should I double-check before trusting the answer?
Encode complete URLs and individual URL components differently. This tool is best for component values such as query parameters. Also check that you used the right unit, date, scale, or mode because small input changes can change the result.
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Privacy and copying results
Recent answers stay visible only while you work in the current browser tab. They are not sent to a server.
Use Copy answer when you want to paste the expression and result into notes, homework, a message, or another document. Check the units and assumptions before copying.