How to check a file hash
To check a file hash, choose a local file and the tool computes its SHA-256, SHA-1, and MD5 checksums right in your browser. You can then paste a known checksum to compare, and the tool tells you whether it matches the file you selected.
All hashing happens locally on your device, so the file is never uploaded to a server. This makes it a private, fast way to confirm a download was not corrupted or tampered with, or to verify two files are identical, without trusting an external service with your data.
- Select a local file
- Read the computed SHA-256, SHA-1, and MD5 hashes
- Paste a known checksum to compare (optional)
- Confirm whether the hashes match
When to use a file hash checker
A file hash checker is useful whenever you need to verify integrity: confirming a downloaded installer or archive matches the checksum the publisher listed, checking that a file transferred without corruption, or proving two copies of a file are identical byte-for-byte.
SHA-256 is the most common modern checksum and the safest choice for verification. SHA-1 and MD5 are included because many older downloads still publish those values, even though they are weaker. Matching the algorithm the publisher used lets you compare against their listed checksum directly.