SemVer Calculator
Struggling to remember the difference between ^1.2.3 and ~1.2.3? Type any SemVer range or version constraint below. We will instantly parse it, explain it in plain English, and let you test specific versions against it.
Range Configuration
Define your version constraints
Interactive Sandbox
Test a specific version against the range
Satisfies Matrix
Simulate quick version matching
How ZeroData protects your privacy
- ✓ No Uploads: Processing happens entirely via client-side JavaScript.
- ✓ No Storage: We do not have a database. We physically cannot save your data.
- ✓ No Tracking: We don't log what you process or track your inputs.
- ✓ Verifiable: Check your DevTools Network tab. You will see 0 outbound requests.
Understanding Ranges: Caret ^ vs Tilde ~
In your package.json, you will often see symbols prefixing a version number:
- Caret
^1.2.3: Allows changes that do not modify the left-most non-zero digit. For a 1.x.x release, it allows MINOR and PATCH updates (>=1.2.3 <2.0.0). - Tilde
~1.2.3: Allows only PATCH-level changes if a minor version is specified (>=1.2.3 <1.3.0). - Exact
1.2.3: Pins the exact version. No automatic updates. - Wildcard
*orx: Matches any version (highly dangerous in production).
Complex Range Expressions
SemVer supports compound expressions using spaces (AND) and double-pipe || (OR):
>=1.2.0 <1.5.0— Matches versions from 1.2.0 up to (but not including) 1.5.0.^1.2.0 || ^2.0.0— Matches either 1.x or 2.x ranges.1.2.x— Equivalent to>=1.2.0 <1.3.0.
Common Use Cases
- Testing whether a specific package version satisfies your package.json constraints.
- Understanding the exact range allowed by ^, ~, >=, and complex version expressions.
- Debugging npm dependency resolution issues and version conflicts.
- Verifying that a lockfile version falls within the declared semver range.
- Teaching team members how SemVer ranges work with visual, interactive examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Semantic Versioning (SemVer)?
Semantic Versioning is a versioning standard used by npm, Node.js, and most modern software. A version number follows the format MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH (e.g., 1.4.2). MAJOR increments for breaking changes, MINOR for backward-compatible features, and PATCH for backward-compatible bug fixes.
What is the difference between ^ (caret) and ~ (tilde)?
The caret (^1.2.3) allows changes that do not modify the left-most non-zero digit — typically MINOR and PATCH updates (>=1.2.3 <2.0.0). The tilde (~1.2.3) allows only PATCH-level changes (>=1.2.3 <1.3.0). Caret is the default when you run npm install and is generally recommended.
Why does ^0.2.3 behave differently from ^1.2.3?
For versions below 1.0.0, the caret treats the minor version as the 'breaking change' indicator. So ^0.2.3 means >=0.2.3 <0.3.0, not >=0.2.3 <1.0.0. This is because pre-1.0 packages are considered unstable and any minor bump may contain breaking changes.
What does * or x mean in a version range?
The wildcard * or x matches any version. Using * as your version constraint means 'accept any version of this package,' which is extremely dangerous in production because it allows breaking major version upgrades. Always pin your dependencies with ^ or ~ ranges.
Is this tool safe to use with sensitive project data?
Yes. This tool runs the official semver npm package entirely in your browser. No version strings, package names, or project data are transmitted to any server. All parsing and comparison logic executes locally in JavaScript.
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