Hash Generator
Generate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 cryptographic hashes from any text. Uses the Web Crypto API for SHA hashes.
Everything you need to know about cryptographic hashing
Why use a hash generator?
A cryptographic hash converts any data into a fixed-size fingerprint: 32 hex characters for MD5 (128 bits), 40 for SHA-1 (160 bits), 64 for SHA-256 (256 bits), and 128 for SHA-512 (512 bits). This fingerprint is deterministic — the same input always produces the same hash.
SHA-256 is the current standard: it secures TLS certificates, the Bitcoin blockchain, and software package signatures. MD5 and SHA-1 are still useful for non-critical integrity checks, but they are vulnerable to collisions and should never be used for security purposes.
This tool computes SHA hashes directly in your browser using the Web Crypto API, with no data sent to any server. The MD5 hash is generated by a local JavaScript implementation. Your text stays entirely private.
Who uses this tool?
- Developers
- Verify file integrity with SHA-256 checksums after downloads, compare fingerprints in CI/CD pipelines, and validate npm or Docker package signatures.
- Security engineers
- Quickly compare hashes to detect file modifications, analyze fingerprints in logs, and verify that MD5/SHA-1 are not used in security-critical contexts.
- DevOps teams
- Validate checksums of ISO images, binaries, and system updates before deployment. Compare the publisher's hash against the downloaded file's hash.
- Blockchain developers
- Understand the SHA-256 hashing used in Bitcoin mining and Merkle trees. Quickly test hash values for smart contracts or consensus protocols.
How does this tool work?
Enter or paste your text into the input field. The tool accepts any string, from a few characters to thousands of lines.
Click "Generate hashes." All four algorithms (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512) are computed simultaneously. SHA hashes use the browser's Web Crypto API; MD5 uses a local JavaScript implementation.
Copy the hash you need with one click using the copy button. Each hash is displayed in lowercase hexadecimal, the standard format for checksums and fingerprint comparisons.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512?
- MD5 produces a 128-bit hash (32 hex characters) and SHA-1 a 160-bit hash (40 characters). Both are considered insecure because collisions have been demonstrated. SHA-256 (256 bits, 64 characters) is the current standard used in TLS and Bitcoin. SHA-512 (512 bits, 128 characters) offers the highest security margin.
- Can you use MD5 or SHA-1 to hash passwords?
- No. MD5 and SHA-1 are vulnerable to collision and brute-force attacks. For password hashing, use dedicated functions like bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2, which incorporate a salt and adjustable computation cost. SHA hashes are not designed to protect passwords.
- Is my text sent to a server for hash computation?
- No. SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 hashes are computed directly in your browser via the Web Crypto API. The MD5 hash uses a local JavaScript implementation. No data is transmitted to any server, ensuring complete privacy of your data.
- How do you verify file integrity with a SHA-256 hash?
- Use a checksum tool to generate the SHA-256 hash of your downloaded file, then compare it with the hash published by the provider. If both 64-character hashes match exactly, the file has not been altered during transfer.