Base64 Encoded String Regex for JavaScript
/^(?:[A-Za-z0-9+/]{4})*(?:[A-Za-z0-9+/]{2}==|[A-Za-z0-9+/]{3}=)?$/What this pattern does
This page provides a well-structured, multi-part regular expression for matching base64 encoded string, ported and verified for JavaScript. A rigorously tested regex reduces debugging time and protects your application from edge-case failures. The snippet below is ready to drop into your JavaScript project — whether you're validating in an Express middleware, a Next.js API route, or a client-side form.
Javascript Implementation
// Base64 Encoded String
// ReDoS-safe | RegexVault — Web & Network > Misc
const base64EncodedStringRegex = /^(?:[A-Za-z0-9+\/]{4})*(?:[A-Za-z0-9+\/]{2}==|[A-Za-z0-9+\/]{3}=)?$/;
function validateBase64EncodedString(input: string): boolean {
return base64EncodedStringRegex.test(input);
}
// Example
console.log(validateBase64EncodedString("SGVsbG8sIFdvcmxkIQ==")); // trueTest Cases
Matches (Valid) | Rejects (Invalid) |
|---|---|
SGVsbG8sIFdvcmxkIQ== | SGVsbG8! |
YWJj | ===invalid |
dGVzdA== | SGVsbG8===== |
AAAA | not_base64_but_url-safe |
| — | YWJjZA=extra |
When to use this pattern
This pattern is drawn from the Web & Network > Misc category and carries a ReDoS-safe certification. That matters for JavaScript developers because especially critical in long-running Node.js event loops where a ReDoS vulnerability can block the entire process. RegexVault audits patterns against known backtracking attack vectors, ensuring you have the necessary context before using this regex in a high-stakes production environment.
Common Pitfalls
Base64 padding is sometimes omitted in URLs and JWT components. Handle both padded and unpadded variants: ^[A-Za-z0-9+/]*={0,2}$ for a more permissive match.
Technical Notes
Empty string is valid base64 (encodes empty byte string). This pattern validates standard base64 — for URL-safe base64, replace + with \- and / with _.
Have a pattern that belongs in the vault?
Submit it for review — community-verified patterns get credited to your GitHub handle. Free submissions join the queue. Priority review available for $15.
Submit a Pattern