CryptoHashCalc is a Windows-based file hashing utility designed to compute cryptographic digests and checksums from the command line or via Windows Explorer’s context menu.
It supports SHA-2, SHA-3 (BouncyCastle), MD5, and CRC32 for integrity verification.
CryptoHashCalc is implemented as a WinForms application targeting .NET Framework 4.7.2 and distributed under the MIT License.
- Support for the following algorithms:
- CRC32
- MD5
- SHA-256 / SHA-384 / SHA-512
- SHA3-256 / SHA3-384 / SHA3-512
- Command-line interface for scripting and automation:
CryptoHashCalc.exe <file_path> <algorithm>
- Optional Windows Explorer context menu integration via registry files
- Simple and focused UI:
- Displays hash results clearly
- One-click copy to clipboard
- Lightweight, dependency-minimal distribution
- MIT licensed
| Algorithm | Digest Size (bits) | Category | Implementation Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRC32 | 32 | Checksum (non-crypto) | Custom Crc32 implementation |
| MD5 | 128 | Cryptographic (legacy) | System.Security.Cryptography |
| SHA-256 | 256 | Cryptographic (SHA-2) | System.Security.Cryptography |
| SHA-384 | 384 | Cryptographic (SHA-2) | System.Security.Cryptography |
| SHA-512 | 512 | Cryptographic (SHA-2) | System.Security.Cryptography |
| SHA3-256 | 256 | Cryptographic (SHA-3) | BouncyCastle (Sha3Digest) |
| SHA3-384 | 384 | Cryptographic (SHA-3) | BouncyCastle (Sha3Digest) |
| SHA3-512 | 512 | Cryptographic (SHA-3) | BouncyCastle (Sha3Digest) |
Note: CRC32 is not cryptographically secure; it is provided for compatibility and high-speed integrity checking.
CryptoHashCalc.exe <file_path> <algorithm>
### Example
```text
CryptoHashCalc.exe "C:\Data\disk_image.iso" SHA256
On completion, the application displays:
- File name
- Selected algorithm
- Resulting hash (hex)
- Option to copy the value to the clipboard
The application reports:
- Missing or invalid arguments
- Unsupported algorithm name
- Missing BouncyCastle library for SHA-3
- File read or access errors
CryptoHashCalc may optionally be integrated into the Windows Explorer context menu through provided registry scripts.
Adds the following submenu:
Crypto Hash Calc >
CRC32
MD5
SHA256
SHA384
SHA512
SHA3-256
SHA3-384
SHA3-512
Selecting any entry launches the application with the chosen algorithm.
Removes the entire submenu and associated commands.
A step by step flow can be found here.
Typical runtime layout:
CryptoHashCalc.exe
BouncyCastle.Crypto.dll
No installer is required.
- Windows 10 or later (Compatible with Windows 7/8 if .NET Framework 4.7.2 is installed)
- .NET Framework 4.7.2
BouncyCastle.Crypto.dlllocated next to the executable for SHA-3 support
CryptoHashCalc uses semantic versioning:
- MAJOR – breaking changes
- MINOR – backward-compatible enhancements
- PATCH – fixes and small refinements
Version metadata is defined in:
Properties/AssemblyInfo.cs
This project is licensed under the MIT License.
See the LICENSE file for details.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yaron Dayan