Hash Generator

Generate and verify MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 hashes. Perfect for checksums, data integrity verification, and cryptographic operations.

Hash Algorithm

Hash functions convert input data into a fixed-size string of characters. The same input always produces the same hash, but even small changes in input produce completely different hashes.

MD5 produces 128-bit (32 hex characters) hashes. SHA-1 produces 160-bit (40 hex characters) hashes. SHA-256 produces 256-bit (64 hex characters) hashes. SHA-512 produces 512-bit (128 hex characters) hashes.

Input Text

SHA-256 Hash

What is a Hash Function?

A hash function is a one-way mathematical function that takes input data of any size and produces a fixed-size output (hash). Hash functions are deterministic: the same input always produces the same hash, but even tiny changes in input produce completely different hashes.

Hash functions are commonly used for data integrity verification, checksums, digital signatures, and password storage (with proper salting and hashing algorithms).

Important: Hash functions are one-way operations. You cannot reverse a hash to get the original input. However, for weak hashes like MD5, attackers can use rainbow tables or brute force to find inputs that produce the same hash.

How it Works

When you enter text, the hash generator:

Encodes the input: Converts your text to bytes using UTF-8 encoding
Processes through the hash algorithm: Applies the selected hash function (MD5, SHA-1, or SHA-256)
Produces a hexadecimal hash: Outputs a fixed-length string of hexadecimal characters

The hash is generated instantly and updates automatically as you type. All processing happens locally in your browser using the Web Crypto API (for SHA-1 and SHA-256) or a JavaScript implementation (for MD5).

Hash Types

MD5 (Message Digest 5)

MD5 produces 128-bit hashes (32 hexadecimal characters). It was widely used in the past but is now considered cryptographically broken and vulnerable to collision attacks.

Use cases: Legacy systems, non-security-critical checksums, file integrity verification where security isn't a concern.

Security: Not recommended for security-sensitive applications. Use SHA-256 instead.

SHA-1 (Secure Hash Algorithm 1)

SHA-1 produces 160-bit hashes (40 hexadecimal characters). It was designed as a successor to MD5 but is now also considered insecure due to collision vulnerabilities discovered in 2017.

Use cases: Legacy systems, Git commit hashes, some certificate applications (though being phased out).

Security: Not recommended for new security-sensitive applications. Use SHA-256 instead.

SHA-256 (Secure Hash Algorithm 256)

SHA-256 produces 256-bit hashes (64 hexadecimal characters). It's part of the SHA-2 family and is currently considered secure and recommended for most applications.

Use cases: Digital signatures, blockchain technology, password hashing (with proper salting), data integrity verification, SSL/TLS certificates.

Security: Recommended for security-sensitive applications. Currently considered cryptographically secure.

SHA-512 (Secure Hash Algorithm 512)

SHA-512 produces 512-bit hashes (128 hexadecimal characters). It's also part of the SHA-2 family and provides even stronger security than SHA-256 with a larger hash output.

Use cases: High-security applications, digital signatures, cryptographic protocols, situations requiring extra collision resistance.

Security: Highly secure. Offers greater collision resistance than SHA-256 due to larger output size. May be faster than SHA-256 on 64-bit systems.

Common Use Cases

Data Integrity Verification: Verify that files or data haven't been corrupted or tampered with
Checksums: Generate checksums for file downloads to verify authenticity
Digital Signatures: Part of digital signature algorithms (use SHA-256)
Password Storage: Hash passwords before storing (always use proper salting and modern algorithms like SHA-256 with bcrypt or Argon2)
Blockchain Technology: SHA-256 is used in Bitcoin and many other cryptocurrencies
Git Commits: SHA-1 is used for Git commit hashes (though being migrated to SHA-256)
Deduplication: Identify duplicate files or data by comparing hashes
API Authentication: Generate hash-based message authentication codes (HMAC)

Security Considerations

Hash functions are not encryption. They are one-way functions that cannot be reversed. However, this doesn't mean they're always secure:

MD5 and SHA-1 are vulnerable to collision attacks and should not be used for security-sensitive applications
Use SHA-256 for security-sensitive applications like password hashing, digital signatures, or data integrity verification
For password storage, never use plain hash functions. Use proper password hashing algorithms like bcrypt, Argon2, or PBKDF2 with appropriate salt
Hash functions alone don't provide authentication. Use HMAC (Hash-based Message Authentication Code) for authenticated hashing
This tool processes data locally in your browser. Your input is never sent to our servers

Best Practice: For any security-critical application, use SHA-256 or stronger algorithms, and always follow security best practices for your specific use case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reverse a hash to get the original text?

No. Hash functions are one-way operations. You cannot reverse a hash to get the original input. However, for weak hashes like MD5, attackers can use rainbow tables or brute force to find inputs that produce the same hash.

Which hash algorithm should I use?

For security-sensitive applications, use SHA-256. MD5 and SHA-1 are vulnerable to collision attacks and should only be used for legacy systems or non-security-critical checksums. Always use SHA-256 or stronger for new applications.

Can I use this for password hashing?

No. Plain hash functions are not suitable for password storage. Use proper password hashing algorithms like bcrypt, Argon2, or PBKDF2 with appropriate salt. These algorithms are designed to be slow and resist brute-force attacks.

Why are MD5 and SHA-1 still available?

MD5 and SHA-1 are still used in legacy systems, Git commits, and non-security-critical applications. However, they should not be used for new security-sensitive applications. We include them for compatibility and educational purposes.

Is my data stored or transmitted?

No. All hash generation happens entirely in your browser using the Web Crypto API or JavaScript. Your input is never sent to our servers, stored in a database, or saved anywhere. Your privacy is protected.

What's the difference between the hash algorithms?

MD5 produces 128-bit hashes (32 hex characters), SHA-1 produces 160-bit hashes (40 hex characters), SHA-256 produces 256-bit hashes (64 hex characters), and SHA-512 produces 512-bit hashes (128 hex characters). SHA-256 and SHA-512 are the most secure and recommended for security-sensitive applications. MD5 and SHA-1 are vulnerable to collision attacks.