How to use the File Checksum (SHA-256)
- Choose the file.
- Wait while the checksums are calculated.
- Paste the checksum from the download page to compare.
What does this tool do?
A checksum is a fingerprint of a file. If even one byte changes, the checksum changes completely. Software publishers post checksums so you can confirm a download wasn't corrupted or tampered with.
Why use it?
- Verify software, ISO images and firmware.
- Check that a copy matches the original.
- Detect corrupted transfers.
Which algorithm?
Use SHA-256 whenever it's offered. MD5 and SHA-1 are still fine for spotting accidental corruption, but they aren't safe against deliberate tampering.
Accuracy and limits
- The whole file is read into memory, so very large files (over 2 GB) aren't supported in a browser.
Privacy
Your files are processed entirely in your browser using built-in web technologies. They are not uploaded to our servers, and closing the page clears them from memory. There's no account to create and nothing to install.
Frequently asked questions
Are my files uploaded?
No. Files are read and processed in your browser, and results are saved straight back to your device.
Last reviewed by the M2Toolkit team.