How to Verify a File Checksum (SHA-256) Online
Confirm a download was not corrupted or altered by comparing its SHA-256 checksum. A free way to hash any file in your browser without uploading it.
What a checksum is
A checksum, or hash, is a short fingerprint calculated from a file. The same file always gives the same value, and changing even one byte gives a completely different one. That makes it a quick way to check a file is exactly what its publisher released.
How to check a file
Open the File Hash tool and drop in your file. It calculates SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384 and SHA-512 on your device, so the file is never uploaded. Copy the value you need, then compare it with the checksum the publisher lists. You compare the two values yourself, so check that every character matches.
Which algorithm to use
Use the one the publisher gives you, which is most often SHA-256. SHA-1 is included for older checksums, but it is no longer considered safe against deliberate tampering. MD5 is not offered, because the browser does not support it.
Limits
The whole file is read into memory before hashing, so very large files can fail on devices with limited memory. A matching checksum shows the file matches the published value, and it is only as trustworthy as the place you got the checksum from.
