What port does HTTP run on by default?

HTTP runs on port 80 by default.

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#What this means in simple terms

When a client (for example, a browser) accesses a site over HTTP, it automatically connects to the server on port 80, unless a port is explicitly specified.

Example:

• http://example.com → port 80
• http://example.com:80 → the same thing, just with the port stated explicitly

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#Why a port is needed at all

A port is a way to identify which exact service is running on the server.

A single server can run several services at once:

• a web server (HTTP) - port 80
• a secure web server (HTTPS) - port 443
• mail, FTP, SSH, and other services - each on its own port

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#A common pair in interviews

Interviewers love to ask about both together:

• HTTP → port 80
• HTTPS → port 443

Remembering this pair is already a plus in an interview.

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#Short answer for an interview

Remember this wording:

HTTP runs on port 80 by default.

If you want, the next question could cover:

• why HTTPS uses port 443
• whether HTTP can run on another port
• what happens if the port is blocked by a firewall