How to Calculate Discord Permission Integer for Bot Authorization URL

When you create a Discord bot and generate an authorization URL, you must specify the permissions the bot requires. The permissions are represented as a single integer, not a list of checkboxes. This integer is the sum of specific permission values defined by Discord. If you set the wrong integer, your bot may lack access to channels, messages, or server management features. This article explains how to calculate the Discord permission integer manually and using tools.

What Is the Discord Permission Integer and How Is It Calculated

Discord uses a bitfield to represent bot permissions. Each permission is assigned a specific power-of-two value. For example, the permission to send messages has a value of 2048, while the permission to manage messages is 8192. When you add these values together, you get a single integer that encodes all granted permissions. Discord’s OAuth2 authorization URL includes the permissions parameter with this integer.

The underlying mechanism is a bitmask. Each bit in a 64-bit integer represents one permission. If the bit is set to 1, the permission is granted. If it is 0, the permission is denied. The integer you see in the URL is the decimal representation of that binary bitmask. Understanding this helps you verify that the integer matches the permissions you intended to grant.

Permission Values Table

Discord defines permission values for general, text, voice, and advanced permissions. Here are the most common ones:

• Create Instant Invite: 1
• Kick Members: 2
• Ban Members: 4
• Administrator: 8
• Manage Channels: 16
• Manage Server: 32
• Add Reactions: 64
• View Audit Log: 128
• Priority Speaker: 256
• Stream: 512
• Read Messages / View Channels: 1024
• Send Messages: 2048
• Send TTS Messages: 4096
• Manage Messages: 8192
• Embed Links: 16384
• Attach Files: 32768
• Read Message History: 65536
• Mention Everyone: 131072
• Use External Emojis: 262144
• View Server Insights: 524288
• Connect (Voice): 1048576
• Speak (Voice): 2097152
• Mute Members: 4194304
• Deafen Members: 8388608
• Move Members: 16777216
• Use VAD: 33554432
• Change Nickname: 67108864
• Manage Nicknames: 134217728
• Manage Roles: 268435456
• Manage Webhooks: 536870912
• Manage Emojis and Stickers: 1073741824

The Administrator permission (8) grants all permissions and overrides any other integer calculation. If you set the integer to 8, the bot has full access regardless of other bits set.

Steps to Calculate the Permission Integer Manually

You can calculate the permission integer by adding the values of each permission you want to grant. This method works for small permission sets. For large sets, use the Developer Portal tool or code.

1. List all required permissions
   Write down every permission your bot needs. For example: Send Messages (2048), Read Messages (1024), Manage Messages (8192), and Embed Links (16384).
2. Look up the decimal value for each permission
   Use the table above or Discord’s official documentation. Write the value next to each permission.
3. Add all values together
   Sum the numbers: 2048 + 1024 + 8192 + 16384 = 27648. This is your permission integer.
4. Test the integer in the authorization URL
   Construct the URL: https://discord.com/api/oauth2/authorize?client_id=YOUR_CLIENT_ID&permissions=27648&scope=bot. Replace YOUR_CLIENT_ID with your bot’s client ID.

Using the Discord Developer Portal Permission Calculator

The Discord Developer Portal includes a visual permission calculator. This tool eliminates manual addition and reduces errors.

1. Open the Discord Developer Portal
   Go to https://discord.com/developers/applications and select your application.
2. Navigate to the Bot section
   Click Bot in the left sidebar.
3. Scroll to the Permission section
   Below the bot token area, find the Permissions section. It shows a list of checkboxes.
4. Check the required permissions
   Click the checkboxes for each permission you need. The integer value updates automatically in the Generated Integer field below the list.
5. Copy the generated integer
   Click the Copy button next to the integer. Use this value in your authorization URL.

Calculating the Permission Integer with Code

If you manage permissions programmatically, use a bitwise OR operation. This method is accurate and scalable.

JavaScript Example

const Permissions = {
  SEND_MESSAGES: 2048,
  READ_MESSAGES: 1024,
  MANAGE_MESSAGES: 8192,
  EMBED_LINKS: 16384
};

const permissionInteger = Permissions.SEND_MESSAGES | Permissions.READ_MESSAGES | Permissions.MANAGE_MESSAGES | Permissions.EMBED_LINKS;
console.log(permissionInteger); // Output: 27648

Python Example

from enum import IntFlag

class Permissions(IntFlag):
    SEND_MESSAGES = 2048
    READ_MESSAGES = 1024
    MANAGE_MESSAGES = 8192
    EMBED_LINKS = 16384

permission_integer = Permissions.SEND_MESSAGES | Permissions.READ_MESSAGES | Permissions.MANAGE_MESSAGES | Permissions.EMBED_LINKS
print(permission_integer)  # Output: 27648

Common Mistakes When Setting the Permission Integer

Accidentally Including the Administrator Permission

Setting the Administrator permission (8) grants all permissions. This is often unintended and can be a security risk. Always verify that the integer does not include 8 unless you explicitly want full access.

Using the Wrong Permission Value for View Channels

The permission to view channels is 1024. Some users mistakenly use 1024 for sending messages. Sending messages is 2048. Mixing these values causes the bot to be unable to read or send messages in channels.

Forgetting to Include Essential Permissions

A bot that needs to read message history must include 65536. Without it, the bot cannot see past messages. Similarly, a music bot must include Connect (1048576) and Speak (2097152) to join voice channels.

Using the Integer from the OAuth2 URL Generator Instead of the Bot Section

The Developer Portal has two permission calculators: one in the Bot section and one in the OAuth2 URL Generator. Both produce the same integer. However, the OAuth2 URL Generator also includes scopes and redirect URIs. If you only need the integer, use the Bot section for simplicity.

Permission Integer Calculator: Manual vs Developer Portal vs Code

Item	Manual Addition	Developer Portal	Code (Bitwise OR)
Accuracy	Prone to human error	High	High
Time required	Slow for many permissions	Fast	Fast
Requires internet	No	Yes	No
Best for	Small permission sets	Visual users	Automation and scripts

The Discord permission integer is a bitmask that combines individual permission values. You can calculate it by adding decimal values, using the Developer Portal tool, or performing a bitwise OR in code. Manual addition works for a few permissions but risks errors. The Developer Portal is the easiest method for most users. Code-based calculation is best for developers who generate URLs dynamically. Always double-check that the integer matches the permissions your bot needs to function.