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Tools Checksum Calculator

Checksum Calculator: SHA-256 online

Calculate the SHA-256 checksum of a file or a piece of text. Many publishers list a checksum next to their downloads. If it matches your file’s checksum, the file is complete and has not been altered. The calculation happens entirely on your device; nothing is uploaded.

What do I need a checksum for?

When you download software, an operating system or firmware, the file may have been damaged on the way or, in the worst case, replaced with a tampered version. The checksum is like a fingerprint: if even a single bit changes, you get a completely different string.

How to do it

  1. Copy the checksum from the publisher’s download page, usually listed as SHA-256.
  2. Select the downloaded file above and paste the checksum into the comparison field.
  3. If both match, you see a green confirmation. Otherwise delete the file and download it again, ideally directly from the publisher’s website.

Which algorithm?

SHA-256 is today’s standard. SHA-384 and SHA-512 are longer variants of the same family. SHA-1 and MD5 are considered broken and should no longer be used for security purposes. We still show SHA-1 because some older sites only list that checksum. Browsers no longer support MD5.

Frequently asked questions: Checksum Calculator

How do I verify the SHA-256 checksum of a file?

Select the file in the checksum calculator and paste the checksum from the publisher into the comparison field. If both match, the file is complete and unchanged.

Is my file uploaded?

No. The checksum is calculated entirely in your browser. The file never leaves your device.

Can I also calculate an MD5 checksum?

Browsers no longer support MD5 because the algorithm is considered broken. Use SHA-256, which most publishers provide today.