hashing…hashing…hashing…About Hash Generator — SHA-256, SHA-1 & SHA-512 Online
A cryptographic hash turns any input into a fixed-length "fingerprint." The same input always produces the same digest, and even a tiny change produces a completely different one. Hashes are used to verify file integrity, index data, and store password representations (with extra steps).
This free hash generator computes SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 digests of any text using your browser's Web Crypto API. Your input is hashed locally and never uploaded.
Features
- Compute SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 at once
- Live hex output that updates as you type
- Full UTF-8 input support
- Backed by the Web Crypto API — fast and fully offline
How to use
- Type or paste the text you want to hash into the input pane.
- See the SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 digests update live.
- Copy any digest with its copy button.
Frequently asked questions
Which hash should I use?
Prefer SHA-256 or SHA-512 for anything security-related. SHA-1 is included for compatibility with legacy systems but is considered weak and should not be used for new security purposes.
Can I reverse a hash to get the original text?
No. Cryptographic hashes are one-way by design. The only way to "reverse" one is to guess inputs and hash them until a match is found — which is infeasible for strong hashes and good inputs.
Should I hash passwords with this?
Plain SHA is not enough for passwords — they need a slow, salted algorithm like bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2. Use this tool for integrity checks and general hashing, not password storage.
SHA-256 vs SHA-512 — which should I pick?
Both are part of the SHA-2 family and considered secure. SHA-512 produces a longer 512-bit digest and can be faster on 64-bit hardware, while SHA-256 is the more widely adopted default for certificates, checksums, and blockchains. For most uses SHA-256 is the safe, compatible choice.
What is a checksum and how do I verify file integrity?
A checksum is a hash digest published alongside a download. After fetching the file you hash it and compare the result to the published value — if they match, the bytes were not altered or corrupted in transit. This tool hashes text; for files, hash the same content and compare the digests.
Related tools
Everything runs locally in your browser — your input is never uploaded.