Hash Generator
Generate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 cryptographic hashes from text. 100% free and private - all hashing happens in your browser.
About Hash Functions
MD5: Produces a 128-bit hash. Fast but cryptographically broken. Use only for checksums, not security.
SHA-1: Produces a 160-bit hash. Also considered broken for cryptographic purposes. Avoid for new applications.
SHA-256: Part of the SHA-2 family. Produces a 256-bit hash. Widely used and recommended for most applications.
SHA-512: Also part of SHA-2 family. Produces a 512-bit hash. Offers stronger security than SHA-256.
Common Use Cases
- Password storage (with proper salting)
- File integrity verification (checksums)
- Digital signatures and certificates
- Data deduplication
- Generating unique identifiers
Real-Time Generation
Instant hash generation as you type or paste text.
100% Private
All hashing happens in your browser. Your text never leaves your device.
Multiple Algorithms
Generate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 hashes simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cryptographic hash?
A cryptographic hash is a fixed-size string of characters generated from input data using a mathematical algorithm. It's a one-way function, meaning you can't reverse the hash to get the original data.
Which hash algorithm should I use?
SHA-256 is recommended for most modern applications. MD5 and SHA-1 are considered cryptographically broken and should only be used for non-security purposes like checksums. SHA-512 provides even stronger security than SHA-256.
Is this tool secure?
Yes! All hashing happens entirely in your browser using the Web Crypto API. Your text never gets sent to any server, ensuring complete privacy.
What's the difference between uppercase and lowercase hash output?
Hash values are typically displayed in hexadecimal format. Both uppercase and lowercase represent the same hash value - it's just a formatting preference. Most systems use lowercase by default.
Can I hash files with this tool?
Currently, this tool is designed for text input. To hash files, you would need to read the file contents and paste them into the text area, though this is not recommended for binary files.