Cookie Policy
Last updated:
This page explains exactly which cookies and browser-storage items The Online Calculator (the-online-calculator.com) uses, what each one does, how long it lasts, and how you can change your mind at any time. It supplements our Privacy Policy.
What cookies are
Cookies are small text files a website stores on your device so it can recognise your browser between pages or visits. We also use local storage — a related browser feature that stores data on your device without sending it to any server. Because our calculators run entirely in your browser, we need very little of either: your calculations themselves are never stored or transmitted.
Storage we set ourselves (always on)
These items are strictly functional, stay on your device, and are never transmitted to us or anyone else:
| Name | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| toc_consent | Local storage | Remembers whether you accepted or declined cookies, so the banner doesn't reappear on every page | Until you clear it |
| oc_visited | Local storage | Tracks which calculators you have used, for the on-site achievements feature | Until you clear it |
| oc_achievements | Local storage | Stores which achievement badges you have unlocked | Until you clear it |
Analytics cookies (only with your consent)
If you press Accept All on our banner, Google Analytics sets these cookies so we can see which tools are used and where the site needs improvement:
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes visitors with a random identifier | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Google Analytics | Keeps track of the current browsing session | 2 years |
Advertising cookies (only with your consent)
We fund this free site with Google AdSense. If you consent, Google and its certified ad partners may set cookies such as:
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| __gads / __gpi | Google Advertising | Ad delivery, frequency capping, and measurement on this site | 13 months |
| IDE | doubleclick.net | Shows relevant ads based on prior visits across the web (personalised ads only) | 13 months |
| NID | google.com | Google preferences and ad customisation | 6 months |
The exact set varies by region and by Google's current platform; see Google's advertising cookie documentation for the authoritative list.
If you decline
Declining is a first-class choice, not a punishment. Every calculator works identically. We use Google Consent Mode, which means:
- No analytics or advertising cookies are set.
- Google Analytics receives no data from your visit.
- Any ads shown are non-personalised and contextual (based on the page content, not on you).
Changing your mind
You can withdraw or grant consent at any time:
You can also delete cookies through your browser settings — every major browser lets you clear or block cookies per site (see aboutcookies.org for instructions). To opt out of personalised advertising across the web, visit Google Ads Settings or aboutads.info/choices.
Legal basis
For visitors in the European Economic Area and the UK, analytics and advertising storage is used only on the basis of your consent (GDPR Art. 6(1)(a) and the ePrivacy Directive). Functional local storage relies on our legitimate interest in operating the site. Details, retention periods, and your data-subject rights are described in our Privacy Policy.
Contact
Questions about cookies or this policy? Email contact@the-online-calculator.com or use our contact form.