Question 1

What is file checksum verification for?

Accepted Answer

When downloading software, images, or large files, officials often provide an MD5 or SHA-256 checksum. By calculating the checksum of your downloaded file and comparing it to the official value, a match confirms the file is complete and unaltered. A mismatch suggests a download error or file replacement, and you should re-download.

Question 2

Do I need to select the correct algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the algorithm must match the one provided by the official source. This tool automatically detects the algorithm based on the length of your pasted expected value (32 characters for MD5, 40 for SHA-1, 64 for SHA-256, 128 for SHA-512), so manual selection is usually unnecessary.

Question 3

Will large files cause lag? Is the file secure?

Accepted Answer

Files are read and processed entirely within your browser and are never uploaded to any server. The SHA series are accelerated by the browser. Common-sized files can be processed in seconds; very large files may use more memory, so please be patient.

File Checksum

FAQ