Cookie Policy

Last updated: July 19, 2026

This Cookie Policy explains how STS2 Calculator (the "Site") uses cookies and similar technologies, what each cookie does, and how you can control them. It should be read together with our Privacy Policy.

1. What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files that a website stores on your device when you visit. They are widely used to make sites work, remember preferences, measure how a site is used, and support advertising. Similar technologies such as web beacons, pixel tags, and browser storage (localStorage) can be used for comparable purposes.

2. How we use cookies

The Site uses a minimal set of cookies. Advertising cookies from Google AdSense are only loaded after you select "Accept" on our consent banner; if you decline or ignore the banner, no AdSense advertising cookies are requested. Analytics is used to understand aggregate traffic. Only a single essential preference is stored to remember the choice you made on the banner.

3. Cookies and storage we use

NamePurposeDurationType
sts2_cookie_consentRemembers whether you accepted or declined non-essential cookies, so the banner is not shown again.Until clearedEssential
_gaGoogle Analytics — distinguishes unique visitors to measure overall traffic.2 yearsAnalytics
_ga_*Google Analytics — maintains session state for measurement.2 yearsAnalytics
__gads, __eoi, IDE, _gcl_* and similarGoogle AdSense and its partners — used to serve, personalize, frequency-cap, and measure advertising. Loaded only after you accept cookies.Up to ~13 monthsAdvertising
Local storage (e.g. checklist progress, calculator inputs, puzzle state)Convenience data kept on your device to remember tool inputs and progress. Not a tracking cookie and never uploaded to a Site account.Until clearedFunctional

Advertising cookies are only set when you click "Accept" on the consent banner. If you decline or ignore it, those cookies are not created. Exact cookie names set by Google may vary over time; see Google's documentation for the current list.

4. Managing your preferences

  • Use the Accept or Decline buttons on the consent banner shown on your first visit.
  • To change your choice later, clear the sts2_cookie_consent value (or all cookies for this site) in your browser settings, then reload the page — the banner will appear again.
  • Block or delete cookies at any time through your browser's privacy settings.
  • Manage Google ad personalization at adssettings.google.com, and opt out of third-party advertising cookies at www.aboutads.info/choices.