Network

TCP Flags Reference

Reference for all TCP header flags (SYN, ACK, FIN, RST, PSH, URG, ECE, CWR) with descriptions and a flag byte decoder.

FlagBitNameDescription
SYN1SynchronizeInitiates a connection. Used in the TCP 3-way handshake.
ACK4AcknowledgmentConfirms receipt of data. Set in all packets after initial SYN.
FIN0FinishGraceful connection termination. Sender has no more data.
RST2ResetImmediately terminates the connection. No graceful close.
PSH3PushPush data to the application immediately, bypassing the buffer.
URG5UrgentUrgent data present. Urgent pointer field is valid.
ECE6ECN-EchoExplicit Congestion Notification echo. Network congestion signaling.
CWR7Congestion Window ReducedResponse to ECE — sender reduced congestion window.

Common Flag Combinations

PatternDescription
SYNConnection initiation (step 1 of 3-way handshake)
SYN+ACKConnection accepted (step 2 of 3-way handshake)
ACKConnection established (step 3) or data acknowledgment
PSH+ACKData segment with push (most common data transfer pattern)
FIN+ACKGraceful connection close
RSTAbrupt connection termination or port closed
RST+ACKReset acknowledgment

Flag Byte Decoder

Enter a decimal or hex value to see which flags are set (e.g. 18 or 0x12 for SYN+ACK)

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2026