URL Decoder
Decode percent-encoded URLs and strings. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
How It Works
Paste a percent-encoded URL or string into the input field and click Decode. Encoded characters like %20, %26, and %3D are converted back to their original form. Everything runs in your browser using the native decodeURIComponent function — no server ever receives your data.
Common Percent-Encoded Characters
| Encoded | Decodes to | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| %20 | (space) | Space |
| %21 | ! | Exclamation mark |
| %23 | # | Hash / fragment |
| %24 | $ | Dollar sign |
| %26 | & | Ampersand (parameter separator) |
| %3D | = | Equals (key/value) |
| %3F | ? | Question mark (query start) |
| %2F | / | Forward slash |
| %40 | @ | At sign |
| %25 | % | Percent sign |
What Is URL Decoding?
URL decoding reverses percent encoding, converting sequences like %20 back to spaces and %26 back to ampersands. It is useful when inspecting URLs from analytics tools, server logs, API responses, redirect chains, or the browser address bar. Encoded URLs are hard to read — decoding reveals the actual text, query parameters, and values.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I decode a URL online?
Paste the percent-encoded URL or string into the input box above and click Decode. Encoded sequences like %20, %26, and %3D are converted back to their original characters instantly. Everything runs in your browser, so nothing is sent to a server.
What does %20 mean in a URL?
%20 is the percent-encoding for a space character. URLs cannot contain literal spaces, so browsers and servers replace each space with %20 (or sometimes a plus sign). Decoding turns %20 back into a normal space.
What is the difference between URL decoding and URL encoding?
URL encoding converts unsafe or reserved characters into percent-encoded sequences so they can travel safely in a URL — a space becomes %20, an ampersand becomes %26. URL decoding is the reverse: it turns those sequences back into readable characters. Use the URL Encoder tool for the opposite direction.
Is it safe to decode URLs here?
Yes. This decoder uses your browser's built-in decodeURIComponent function and runs entirely on your device. Your URLs, tokens, and query parameters are never uploaded or logged.
Why does my decoded URL still show %25?
%25 is the encoding for the percent sign itself. If a URL was double-encoded, one pass will leave a %25 behind. Decode a second time to fully resolve it.