Generate cryptographic and checksum hashes (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, SHA-512) directly in your browser — no server upload. Choose algorithm, output format (hex/base64), and get immediate explanations about the results and security recommendations.

What is this Hash Generator?

This tool computes fixed-length hash digests (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, SHA-512) for text or files entirely in your browser using built-in cryptography and a small MD5 fallback. Hashes are deterministic fingerprints: the same input always produces the same output and tiny changes cause large changes in the digest.

Why would you use a hash generator?

Common uses include verifying file integrity after download, generating unique identifiers for data, checking for accidental changes, and producing fingerprints for commits or content-addressed storage. For password storage and authentication you should use password-specific algorithms (bcrypt, Argon2) — not raw hash functions.

Some quick facts

• Hashes are fixed-size outputs. Example: SHA-256 produces 256 bits (32 bytes) often shown as 64 hex characters.
• MD5 and SHA-1 are broken for collision-resistance: they can be forced to collide and are not recommended for secure signatures.
• SHA-256, SHA-384, SHA-512 belong to the SHA-2 family and are widely used for secure hashing today.

Real-life examples

– You downloaded a large file and want to verify it: compare the file’s SHA-256 with the publisher’s published SHA-256 checksum.

– You need a stable ID for a document’s content: store the SHA-256 digest as a content key.

How to use the tool

1. Type or paste text into the main textarea (or select “File” and upload a file).
2. Pick the algorithm (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, SHA-512).
3. Choose output format: hex (common human-readable) or base64 (compact).
4. Click Compute Hash. You can copy or download the result. Explanations and properties appear to the right.

History (short)

MD5 and SHA-1 are older algorithms widely used in the 1990s and 2000s but later shown to be vulnerable to collision attacks. SHA-2 (including SHA-256) was published in 2001 as a stronger family; SHA-3 is a later alternative with different internal structure.

Formulas & notes

Hash functions are not reversible functions — they compress arbitrary-length input to fixed-length output. There is no mathematical “formula” to invert a cryptographic hash; security depends on preimage and collision resistance properties.

Tips

• Use SHA-256 or stronger for integrity and security-related digests.
• Never store passwords as raw hashes. Use slow, memory-hard password hashing (Argon2, bcrypt, PBKDF2 with sufficient iterations).
• For file verification, match exact published digests (pay attention to hex vs base64 representation).
• Check algorithm and digest length: e.g., SHA-256 -> 256 bits -> 64 hex chars.

FAQ

Q: Is hashing the same as encryption?

A: No. Encryption is reversible (with a key). Hashing is (practically) irreversible: it’s a one-way fingerprint.

Q: Can two different inputs have the same hash?

A: Yes — that’s called a collision. Strong hashes make collisions practically infeasible. MD5 and SHA-1 have known practical collisions; SHA-256 and up currently do not.

Q: Is it safe to paste secret data here?

A: The tool runs locally, so the data does not leave your browser. However, be cautious when pasting extremely sensitive data into any web page; prefer dedicated secure environments for top-secret items.

Disclaimer

This tool is provided for convenience and educational use. The author is not responsible for misuse. For security-critical applications (password storage, encryption keys, digital signatures), consult security experts and use proven libraries and best practices (e.g., HSMs, KMS, Argon2/bcrypt for passwords, TLS for transport).