A method for data deduplication includes receiving a set of hashes derived from a data chunk of a set of input data chunks 310. The method includes sampling the set of hashes 320, using an index indentifying data chunk containers that hold data chunks having a hash in the set of sampled hashes 330, and loading indexes for at least one of the identified data chunk containers 340. The method includes determining which of the hashes correspond to data chunks stored in data chunk containers corresponding to the loaded indexes 350 and deciding which of the set of input data chunks should be stored based at least in part on the determination.