Verify a File Checksum
Check whether a file matches a published MD5, SHA-1 or SHA-256 checksum. Paste the expected hash and compare locally.
Part of the free Hash Generator. Runs in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
Verify a File Checksum
Publishers print a checksum next to the download link. Hash the file, paste the expected value into “Verify a checksum”, and look for a match before you run the installer.
Worked example: Expected vs actual SHA-256 of "hello"
Two digests
expected: 2cf24dba5fb0a30e26e83b2ac5b9e29e1b161e5c1fa7425e73043362938b9824 actual: 2cf24dba5fb0a30e26e83b2ac5b9e29e1b161e5c1fa7425e73043362938b9824
Result
✓ Match — the file contents equal the published digest
Practical tip
A mismatch is not always malware — a partial download causes it too. Re-download once, then treat a second mismatch as a red flag.
How to use this Hash Generator
- 1Use the live tool above — it runs entirely in your browser and never uploads your data.
- 2Paste the sample from the worked example, or use your own input.
- 3Copy the result, then adapt the same steps in your editor, script, or pipeline.
Verify a File Checksum FAQs
What if the hashes differ by case?
Hex is case-insensitive. A and a are the same nibble. Compare after lowercasing both sides.
Can I verify several algorithms at once?
Yes. The hash generator computes MD5 through SHA-512 together, so you can match whichever digest the vendor published.
More Hash Generator pages
- SHA-1 Hash GeneratorGenerate a SHA-1 hash of any text or file. 40-character hex digest, computed in your browser. Free and private.
- SHA-512 Hash GeneratorGenerate a SHA-512 hash online. 128-character hex digest of text or files, computed locally in your browser.
- HMAC-SHA256 GeneratorCreate an HMAC-SHA256 signature from a message and a secret key. Used for webhooks, API request signing and JWTs.
- File Checksum CalculatorCalculate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384 and SHA-512 checksums of a local file. The file never leaves your browser.
- SHA-384 Hash GeneratorGenerate a SHA-384 hash of text or a file. 96-character hex digest, computed in your browser.
- Generate a Hash From a StringHash any string with MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384 and SHA-512 at the same time. Instant, private, in-browser.
- Compare Two Hash ValuesCompare two hex hashes and see if they match. Useful when a vendor checksum and your local digest disagree.
- Hash Text Online FreeFree online text hasher. MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384 and SHA-512 as you type. No signup, nothing uploaded.
- Checksum Generator for DownloadsGenerate a SHA-256 or MD5 checksum to publish next to a download. Hash the release file locally and copy the digest.