Wallet Address Validator
Validate cryptocurrency wallet addresses across multiple blockchains.
Understanding Cryptocurrency Addresses
A cryptocurrency wallet address is a unique identifier that allows you to receive digital currency. Think of it like a bank account number, but for blockchain transactions. Each blockchain has its own address format and validation rules.
Why Validate Addresses?
Validating wallet addresses before sending cryptocurrency is crucial because:
- Irreversible Transactions: Once you send crypto, you cannot reverse the transaction. Sending to an invalid address means losing your funds permanently.
- Format Detection: Ensures the address matches the correct blockchain and format for your intended transaction.
- Checksum Verification: Some addresses include checksums that detect typos and prevent sending to corrupted addresses.
- Address Type Identification: Different address types have different features and fee structures.
Bitcoin Address Formats
Legacy (P2PKH) - Starts with 1
Format: Base58Check encoding
Length: 26-35 characters
Example: 1A1zP1eP5QGefi2DMPTfTL5SLmv7DivfNa
The original Bitcoin address format, using Pay-to-Public-Key-Hash (P2PKH). These addresses are still widely supported but have higher transaction fees than newer formats.
Script Hash (P2SH) - Starts with 3
Format: Base58Check encoding
Length: 26-35 characters
Example: 3J98t1WpEZ73CNmYviecrnyiWrnqRhWNLy
Pay-to-Script-Hash addresses support advanced features like multi-signature wallets and SegWit. These are more flexible than P2PKH addresses.
Bech32 (SegWit) - Starts with bc1
Format: Bech32 encoding
Length: 42+ characters
Example: bc1qar0srrr7xfkvy5l643lydnw9re59gtzzwf5mdq
Native SegWit addresses offer lower transaction fees, better error detection, and are case-insensitive. These are the recommended format for Bitcoin transactions today.
Advantages: 40-60% lower fees, improved security, better error detection
Ethereum Addresses
Ethereum/ERC-20 - Starts with 0x
Format: Hexadecimal (0x prefix + 40 hex characters)
Length: 42 characters total
Example: 0x742d35Cc6634C0532925a3b844Bc9e7595f0bEb7
Ethereum addresses are derived from the public key using Keccak-256 hashing. The same address format is used for ETH and all ERC-20 tokens.
EIP-55 Checksum
Mixed case addresses use EIP-55 checksumming. Uppercase letters in specific positions validate the address. For example, if the address above is changed to all lowercase or incorrect capitalization, it fails validation.
Checksummed: 0x742d35Cc6634C0532925a3b844Bc9e7595f0bEb7
Non-checksummed: 0x742d35cc6634c0532925a3b844bc9e7595f0beb7 (all lowercase - works but no checksum protection)
Other Cryptocurrency Addresses
Litecoin
Legacy: Starts with L or M (Base58, 26-34 characters)
Bech32: Starts with ltc1 (similar to Bitcoin SegWit)
Example: LhgP8oKoXG5fBdPhf7vBvnbAjJH4JhQV4m
Dogecoin
Format: Starts with D (Base58, 34 characters)
Example: DH5yaieqoZN36fDVciNyRueRGvGLR3mr7L
Ripple (XRP)
Format: Starts with r (Base58, 25-35 characters)
Example: rDsbeomae4FXwgQTJp9Rs64Qg9vDiTCdBv
Solana
Format: Base58, 32-44 characters
Example: 7v91N7iZ9mNicL8WfG6cgSCKyRXydQjLh6UYBWwm6y1Q
Solana addresses don't have a specific starting character, making them harder to visually identify from other Base58 formats.
Cardano (ADA)
Format: Bech32, starts with addr1
Example: addr1qxy3w8z...
Cardano Shelley-era addresses use Bech32 encoding and are longer than most other address formats.
Best Practices for Address Safety
- Always Double-Check: Verify the first few and last few characters of the address before sending.
- Use Copy-Paste: Never manually type addresses - copy and paste to avoid typos.
- Test with Small Amounts: Send a small amount first to verify the address works before sending large sums.
- Watch for Malware: Some malware replaces copied addresses with attacker addresses. Always verify after pasting.
- Use QR Codes: When available, QR codes reduce the risk of address errors.
- Verify Address Type: Make sure you're sending to the correct blockchain (don't send BTC to an ETH address!).
- Check Checksummed Addresses: For Ethereum, use checksummed addresses to catch typos.
Address Format Comparison
| Cryptocurrency | Starts With | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin (Legacy) | 1 | Base58 | 26-35 |
| Bitcoin (P2SH) | 3 | Base58 | 26-35 |
| Bitcoin (SegWit) | bc1 | Bech32 | 42+ |
| Ethereum | 0x | Hex | 42 |
| Litecoin | L, M, ltc1 | Base58/Bech32 | 26-34/42+ |
| Dogecoin | D | Base58 | 34 |
| Ripple | r | Base58 | 25-35 |
| Solana | varies | Base58 | 32-44 |
| Cardano | addr1 | Bech32 | 50+ |
Warning
Important: This validator checks address format only. A valid format doesn't guarantee the address exists or is controlled by the intended recipient. Always verify addresses through official sources and trusted communication channels.
Example Addresses
Bitcoin Legacy:
1A1zP1eP5QGefi2DMPTfTL5SLmv7DivfNa
Bitcoin SegWit:
bc1qar0srrr7xfkvy5l643lydnw9re59gtzzwf5mdq
Ethereum:
0x742d35Cc6634C0532925a3b844Bc9e7595f0bEb7