Cookie Policy
1.What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, to remember your preferences and to provide information to site owners about how their site is used. Cookies do not contain executable code and cannot install software on your device.
In addition to traditional cookies, we may use similar technologies including web beacons (pixel tags), local storage and session storage. This Cookie Policy covers all such technologies collectively referred to as "cookies."
2.Why We Use Cookies
We use cookies to:
- Keep the website functioning correctly (session management, security).
- Remember your preferences across visits (e.g. saved tool settings).
- Understand how visitors use our site so we can improve it.
- Serve relevant advertising that helps fund our free tools.
- Detect and prevent fraud, spam and abuse.
3.Types of Cookies We Use
| Category | Cookie Name / Provider | Purpose | Duration | Consent Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strictly Necessary | _session, csrf_token, __cf_bm (Cloudflare) | User session management, security, DDoS protection. The website cannot function without these. | Session / 30 min | No |
| Preferences | smcalc_prefs, smcalc_theme | Remember user interface preferences such as view mode and saved settings. | 12 months | Yes |
| Analytics | _ga, _ga_*, _gid (Google Analytics 4) | Collect anonymised usage data - pages visited, session duration, device type, referral source. IP is anonymised. | 2 years / 24 hours | Yes |
| Advertising | __gads, __gpi, IDE (Google AdSense / DoubleClick) | Personalise advertising based on browsing interests. Enable frequency capping and conversion tracking. | Up to 13 months | Yes |
4.Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on our site are set by third-party providers rather than directly by SM Calculators. We do not control third-party cookies. The third parties currently placing cookies on our site include:
- Google Analytics: Analytics cookies. Google Privacy Policy | Opt-out browser add-on.
- Google AdSense (DoubleClick): Advertising cookies. Manage via Google Ad Settings.
- Cloudflare: Security and performance cookies. Cloudflare Cookie Policy.
5.Managing Your Cookie Preferences
5.1 Cookie Banner
When you first visit SM Calculators, you will see a Cookie Banner allowing you to accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies or customise your preferences. You can update your choices at any time by clicking "Cookie Preferences" in the page footer.
5.2 Browser Settings
You can also control cookies via your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. Note that disabling all cookies may affect the functionality of our tools and website. Browser-specific guidance:
5.3 Opt-Out Tools
- Google Analytics: GA Opt-out Browser Add-on
- Interest-based advertising: Your Online Choices (EU) | Digital Advertising Alliance (US)
6.Do Not Track
Some browsers transmit "Do Not Track" (DNT) signals. There is currently no agreed industry standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals. We do not currently alter our data collection practices in response to DNT signals, but we do provide the consent controls described above, which give you meaningful choice over non-essential tracking.
7.Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy as we add new features or third-party partners, or as legal requirements change. We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page and, where changes are material, notify users via a cookie banner or email.
8.Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact us:
Email: smcalculators@gmail.com