How to generate a hash
- Paste or type your text into the Text to hash box.
- Read the MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384 and SHA-512 results. They update as you type.
- To check a known value, paste it into Compare with expected hash. The tiles show Match and the algorithm name, or No match.
- Select Copy to copy all hashes.
This tool hashes text only. For files, use a command such as shasum -a 256 file on your computer.
What a hash is
A hash function turns any input into a short fixed-length fingerprint. The same input always gives the same result, and a tiny change gives a completely different one. You cannot rebuild the input from the hash.
| Algorithm | Length | Use |
|---|---|---|
| MD5 | 128 bits, 32 hex | Legacy checksums only |
| SHA-1 | 160 bits, 40 hex | Legacy, such as old Git object names |
| SHA-256 | 256 bits, 64 hex | Default for integrity checks |
| SHA-384 | 384 bits, 96 hex | Longer variant of SHA-2 |
| SHA-512 | 512 bits, 128 hex | Longer variant, fast on 64-bit CPUs |
Tips
- Your text is encoded as UTF-8 before hashing. A trailing newline changes the hash, so check for one if values do not match.
- The comparison ignores case and spaces, so you can paste a hash as published.
- Never store passwords as a plain hash. Use bcrypt, scrypt or Argon2 on your server.
- Hash values are often shown in hex. To convert text to another encoding, try Base64 encode and decode.
- Need a random identifier instead? Use the UUID generator.
Privacy
SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384 and SHA-512 use your browser’s built-in crypto engine. MD5 runs through a small library that is loaded only when needed. Your text is never uploaded, stored or logged.