Hash Comparison
Verify file integrity by comparing calculated hashes with expected values.
Hash Algorithm
SHA-256 is the recommended algorithm for most use cases, providing a good balance of security and performance.
Upload File
Drag & drop a file here or click to browse
All processing happens in your browser. Files are not uploaded to any server.
Expected Hash
Paste the expected hash value here. The comparison is case-insensitive and ignores whitespace.
Calculated Hash
No file selected
About Hash Comparison
Hash comparison is a technique used to verify the integrity of files by comparing their cryptographic hash values.
When you download software, backup files, or transfer data, comparing the hash value can help ensure the file hasn't been corrupted or tampered with.
This tool calculates the hash of your file using your selected algorithm and compares it with an expected hash value that you provide.
Common Use Cases
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Software Downloads: Verify that downloaded software matches the publisher's hash.
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File Transfers: Ensure files transferred between systems remain intact.
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Backups: Verify that backed up files haven't been corrupted.
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Digital Forensics: Compare file hashes for evidence verification.
Hash Algorithms
SHA-256
Part of the SHA-2 family, SHA-256 produces a 256-bit (32-byte) hash value. It's widely used and considered secure for most applications.
SHA-512
Produces a 512-bit (64-byte) hash value, offering even stronger security than SHA-256 at the cost of slightly more processing time.
SHA-1
Produces a 160-bit hash value. While still used in some applications, it's considered cryptographically broken and should be avoided for security-critical uses.
MD5
Produces a 128-bit hash value. It's fast but cryptographically broken. Only use for non-security purposes like checksums for file integrity.
For security-critical applications, always use SHA-256 or SHA-512. MD5 and SHA-1 should only be used for compatibility with legacy systems.