Hash Generator
Generate SHA-256, SHA-512, SHA-1 hashes in your browser
About this calculator
Generate SHA-256, SHA-512 and SHA-1 hashes of text or of a file you choose, in your browser. Pick the algorithm, and the hash appears at once.
Use it to verify downloads, create checksums and understand how hashing behaves.
How to use it
- Enter text or choose a file.
- Select SHA-256, SHA-512 or SHA-1.
- Press Copy Hash.
How hashing works
A hash function turns any input into a fixed-length fingerprint. The same input always gives the same hash, and a tiny change gives a completely different one. Hashing is one-way: you cannot recover the input from the hash. MD5 (128 bits) and SHA-1 (160 bits) are broken for security use. SHA-256 (256 bits) and SHA-512 are the standard choices.
Worked example
Hash of 'hello'
| MD5 | 5d41402abc4b2a76b9719d911017c592 |
| SHA-1 | aaf4c61ddcc5e8a2dabede0f3b482cd9aea9434d |
| SHA-256 | 2cf24dba5fb0a30e26e83b2ac5b9e29e1b161e5c1fa7425e73043362938b9824 |
Runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you paste is uploaded.
Tips and common mistakes
- Use SHA-256 or better for integrity checks.
- Never store passwords with a plain hash. Use bcrypt, scrypt or Argon2 with a salt.
- MD5 and SHA-1 are fine for checksums against accidents but not against attackers.
- Compare hashes to verify a download matches the publisher's checksum.
- Whitespace and line endings change the hash. A trailing newline makes a different result.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hash?
A fixed-length fingerprint of data produced by a one-way function.
Is MD5 secure?
No. Collisions can be created, so do not use it for security.
Can a hash be reversed?
Not directly, but weak inputs can be guessed with lookup tables.
What is SHA-256?
A secure hash producing a 256-bit (64 hex character) value.
How do I verify a file's integrity?
Compute its hash and compare with the published value.
Should I hash passwords with SHA-256?
No. Use a slow, salted algorithm such as bcrypt or Argon2.