1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored in your browser or on your device when you visit a website. They allow the site to recognize your device, remember your preferences, and deliver a better browsing experience. "Local storage" entries serve a similar purpose but persist in your browser for longer.
This Cookie Policy explains which cookies WikEst uses, why, and how you can manage them. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.
2. Cookies WikEst Uses
WikEst uses a small number of cookies and local storage entries. They are grouped into the categories below. We do not use third-party advertising cookies or cross-site tracking cookies.
| Category | Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | wikest_unit | Stores your preferred unit system (US customary or metric) so your choice persists across calculators on the same device. | Local storage (persistent until cleared) |
| Essential | wikest_cs | Remembers whether you accepted or declined the cookie consent banner so it is not shown repeatedly. | 26 months |
| Analytical | _ga* | Privacy-respecting anonymous analytics used to understand which pages and calculators are most popular. No personal identifiable information is collected. | 2 years |
| Security | _sec | Detects suspicious automated access patterns to protect the site from scraping and abuse. | Session |
3. Essential Cookies
Essential cookies are required for the basic operation of WikEst. They enable core functionality and cannot be turned off without breaking the website. Specifically:
- The unit preference cookie allows calculators to remember whether you last used U.S. customary or metric units.
- The cookie consent memory prevents the consent banner from reappearing after you make a choice.
- The security cookie helps protect the site from automated abuse.
4. Analytical Cookies
Analytical cookies help us understand how visitors interact with WikEst by collecting anonymous information such as which pages are most viewed, how long visitors spend on each page, and how they arrived at the site. This data is used in aggregate form only and is never associated with your personal identity.
We use analytics data to:
- Identify which calculators and guides are most useful to readers.
- Detect broken links, slow-loading pages, and technical issues.
- Make informed decisions about which new articles or calculators to add.
5. Cookies We Do Not Use
To be clear, WikEst does not use:
- Third-party advertising cookies.
- Cross-site tracking cookies that follow you across other websites.
- Cookies that collect personal identifiable information (PII) such as your name, email, or phone number.
- Cookies used for retargeting or behavioral advertising.
6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You can manage cookies on WikEst in the following ways:
a. WikEst Cookie Consent Banner
When you first visit WikEst, a banner appears at the bottom of the page. You can choose to accept all cookies or decline non-essential cookies. Your choice is stored in an essential cookie so you are not prompted again.
b. Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically:
- Block all cookies from being stored on your device.
- Set your browser to notify you each time a website requests to store a cookie.
- Delete cookies already stored on your device at any time.
Please note that blocking essential cookies may prevent WikEst from working properly. Clearing all cookies will reset your unit preference and cookie consent choice.
c. Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers and devices allow you to send a "Do Not Track" signal. Because WikEst does not use tracking cookies across the web, we currently treat all traffic as privacy-respecting by default and do not process DNT signals differently.
7. Third-Party Cookies
WikEst does not intentionally set third-party cookies. However, some embedded content (such as YouTube videos or maps) may set cookies from the third-party provider. These cookies are controlled by the third party, not by WikEst, and you should review the relevant third-party privacy policies for more information.
8. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our cookie practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. Material changes will be noted by updating the "Updated" date at the top of this page.
9. Questions
Cookie-related questions can be directed to privacy@wikest.com or through our Contact Us page.