Welcome to the **Simple Browser Password Score Calculator**. This tool helps you quickly assess the complexity and estimated strength of a potential password based on its length, complexity multiplier, and base entropy value, solving for any missing variable.
Simple Browser Password Score Calculator
Detailed Calculation Steps
Enter values and click Calculate to see the steps.
Simple Browser Password Score Formula
The calculation of the Simple Browser Password Score (T) is based on the following fundamental relationship:
Formula Source: NIST SP 800-63B Guidelines, OWASP Password Storage Cheat Sheet
Variables
Understanding the components used in the calculation:
- Password Length (P): The total number of characters in your password (e.g., 12, 16, 20).
- Complexity Multiplier (C): A subjective factor (typically 1-10) reflecting the mix of character types (uppercase, lowercase, numbers, symbols). Higher complexity means a higher multiplier.
- Base Entropy Value (E): A constant value representing the minimum inherent security provided by the browser environment (e.g., 2 for modern browsers).
- Target Score (T): The resulting calculated security rating or score of the password.
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What is Simple Browser Password Score?
The Simple Browser Password Score is a generalized metric designed to give users a quick, understandable assessment of their password’s estimated strength against brute-force attacks. While true cryptographic strength is measured in bits of entropy, this score translates those complex metrics into an easy-to-digest numerical value (T). A higher score indicates a stronger, more resilient password.
This calculation method is deliberately simplified to be intuitive. It highlights that both length (P) and the variety of characters (C, captured by the Complexity Multiplier) contribute significantly to the overall security. The Base Entropy Value (E) accounts for modern security features that protect the stored password, such as salting and iteration counts.
It is a foundational tool for promoting better security hygiene among general users, moving them away from simple passwords towards longer, more complex phrases.
How to Calculate Simple Browser Password Score (Example)
Here is a step-by-step example for solving for the Target Score (T):
- Identify the known variables: Assume a Password Length (P) of 15 characters, a Complexity Multiplier (C) of 4.5, and a Base Entropy Value (E) of 2.0.
- Apply the Formula: Substitute the known values into the equation: $$T = (P \times C) + E$$ $$T = (15 \times 4.5) + 2.0$$
- Calculate the Product: First, multiply the Password Length by the Complexity Multiplier: $$15 \times 4.5 = 67.5$$
- Add the Base Entropy: Add the Base Entropy Value to the product: $$67.5 + 2.0 = 69.5$$
- State the Result: The Simple Browser Password Score (T) is 69.5.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is a good Target Score (T) to aim for?
- A: For high-security accounts, we recommend a Target Score (T) of 75 or higher. Scores below 50 are generally considered weak.
- Q: How do I determine the Complexity Multiplier (C)?
- A: The Complexity Multiplier is subjective. Use 1-3 for lowercase only, 3-5 for mixed case/numbers, and 5-10 for mixed case, numbers, and symbols.
- Q: Can this tool solve for Password Length (P)?
- A: Yes. By entering the desired Target Score (T) and the other two variables (C and E), the calculator will determine the minimum Password Length (P) required to achieve that score.
- Q: Does this account for dictionary attacks?
- A: No. While this formula measures complexity, you should always avoid common dictionary words or easily guessable personal information regardless of the score.