URL Encoding | How to Use Percent Encoding

Spaces, ampersands, and other characters can break URLs. URL encoding (percent encoding) converts them to safe formats. This article covers the basics. Try the URL Encode tool to see results instantly.

When to Encode

• Query parameters: ?q=hello world → ?q=hello%20world
• Path segments with special characters
• Form data in GET requests
• API parameters

Common Encodings

• Space → %20 or +
• & → %26
• = → %3D
• # → %23

How to Use

Use an online URL encoder/decoder or your language’s built-in functions (encodeURIComponent, encodeURI in JS). For query values, prefer encodeURIComponent to handle &, =, etc.

Summary

URL encoding keeps URLs valid when they contain special characters. Encode when building URLs programmatically.

→ Try the URL Encode Tool