Base58 Encoder/Decoder
Professional Base58 encoder/decoder with forensic address analysis. Identifies 50+ crypto networks, validates SHA-256 checksums, and visualizes address structure.
About
In the high-stakes environment of blockchain development, a simple encoding error results in total asset loss. This Forensic Base58 Analyzer goes beyond standard conversion. It acts as a diagnostic environment that not only encodes and decodes data but also inspects the internal structure of cryptocurrency addresses. By utilizing a localized database of over 50 network prefixes, it identifies whether a string is a Mainnet Bitcoin address, a Litecoin script, or a WIF (Wallet Import Format) private key.
This architecture is built on a Zero-Trust Client-Side model. It utilizes the browser's BigInt and SubtleCrypto APIs to perform arbitrary-precision arithmetic and double-SHA256 checksum validation without ever transmitting a single byte to a server. This ensures that private keys and sensitive payloads remain strictly within your local memory.
base58
bitcoin address
wif checker
crypto forensics
encoding
Formulas
The Base58Check algorithm guarantees data integrity through a four-step process involving double-hashing. The formula for constructing a valid address is:
Payload ← VersionByte || Data
Checksum ← SHA256(SHA256(Payload))[0..3]
Final = Base58Encode(Payload || Checksum)
When decoding, the tool reverses this operation. It extracts the last 4 bytes and compares them against the double-SHA256 hash of the preceding bytes. If ExtractedChecksum ≠ CalculatedChecksum, the address is considered invalid or mistyped.
Reference Data
| Coin / Network | Prefix (Dec) | Prefix (Hex) | Leading Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin (BTC) | 0 | 0x00 | 1 | Pubkey Hash (P2PKH Address) |
| Bitcoin (BTC) | 5 | 0x05 | 3 | Script Hash (P2SH Address) |
| Bitcoin Testnet | 111 | 0x6F | m or n | Testnet Pubkey Hash |
| Bitcoin Private Key | 128 | 0x80 | 5, K, L | Wallet Import Format (WIF) |
| Litecoin (LTC) | 48 | 0x30 | L | Litecoin Pubkey Hash |
| Litecoin (LTC) | 50 | 0x32 | M | Litecoin Script Hash |
| Dogecoin (DOGE) | 30 | 0x1E | D | Dogecoin Pubkey Hash |
| Dash (DASH) | 76 | 0x4C | X | Dash Pubkey Hash |
| Ripple (XRP) | N/A | N/A | r | Uses custom non-ASCII-sorted alphabet |
| Ethereum (Legacy) | N/A | N/A | 0x | Rarely uses Base58 (uses Hex/ICAP) |
| Zcash (ZEC) | 7352 | 0x1CB8 | t1 | Transparent Address |
| NEO | 23 | 0x17 | A | Neo Address |
| Qtum | 58 | 0x3A | Q | Qtum Pubkey Hash |
| SolarCoin | 18 | 0x12 | 8 | SolarCoin Address |
Frequently Asked Questions
Base58 is simply a mathematical encoding scheme (converting a large integer to text). Base58Check is a protocol built on top of it that adds a "Version Byte" (to identify the coin) and a 4-byte "Checksum" (to detect typos). This tool supports both modes via the "Validation" toggle.
We have integrated a database of over 50 known cryptocurrency prefixes. When you decode a string, the tool analyzes the first byte (the 'Version') and checks it against this database. This is a heuristic aid; however, because different coins sometimes reuse prefixes, manual verification is always recommended.
Technically, yes, because this tool uses a "Sandbox" architecture where no data leaves your browser. However, as a strict security practice, you should NEVER paste active Mainnet private keys into any browser window connected to the internet. Use this for public addresses, testnet keys, or educational purposes only.
When you paste data, the tool automatically strips invisible characters, whitespace, and non-printable elements that often occur when copying from PDFs or websites. This reduces "Invalid Character" errors significantly.
These characters are visually identical in many fonts. Base58 was designed by Satoshi Nakamoto specifically to avoid the confusion that could lead to funds being sent to a non-existent address due to a transcription error.