HTTP Status Codes Explained: 200, 301, 404, 500 and More
Status codes tell you at a glance whether a request worked, moved or failed. This guide explains the five categories and the codes you will meet most.
What is the HTTP Status Code Lookup?
HTTP status codes are the three-digit numbers a server sends with every response, grouped by their first digit: 2xx means success, 4xx means the client did something wrong, and 5xx means the server failed. This tool explains common codes from a built-in table, and says honestly when a valid code is not in that table instead of guessing a meaning.
How to use it
- Enter a three-digit status code.
- Click Look up code.
- Read its category and meaning.
Worked example
Looking up the sample code 404 reports a client error meaning Not Found.
What is the difference between 404 and 500?
A 404 is a client-side not-found error, while a 500 means the server itself hit an unexpected problem.
Frequently asked questions
What does a 404 actually mean?
The server understood the request but could not find the requested resource; it does not by itself say the whole site is down.
What if my code is not in the table?
The tool still gives its category from the first digit and states plainly that the exact meaning is not in the built-in table.