---
title: "What are HTTP status codes?"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/sites-stores/server-administration/linux/apache-web-server/500-internal-server-error/"
description: "Learn more about HTTP status codes in this article. HTTP status codes identify tasks and problems encountered while navigating a website. Status codes ranging b…"
vertical: "Sites & Stores"
date: "2019-09-10"
last_modified: "2026-07-02"
---

# What are HTTP status codes?

## Definition

Status codes within HTTP identify specific tasks and problems encountered when navigating a website.

HTML uses status codes ranging from 100 – 599. Only the status codes ranging between 300 and 599 indicate an error:

- 1XX: Informational. Request received, process continuing.
- 2XX: Success. Action was successfully received and executed.
- 3XX: Redirection. Request requires additional action before completion.
- 4XX: Client error. The client made an invalid request.
- 5XX: Server error. The server failed to respond to a valid request.

While many error codes exist, the 403 Forbidden and 404 Not Found error codes are most often encountered by Internet users. 403 occurs when a client attempts to access restricted information with improper credentials; 404 occurs when a client attempts to access a file that does not exist.

## Application

As a domain owner, you may create custom error pages for your website. Refer to [How to create and manage custom error pages](https://docs.nexcess.com/sites-stores/control-panel/interworx/siteworx/website-management/custom-error-page/) for more information.