What is a cryptographic hash?

A hash is a fixed-length, one-way fingerprint of your input text. The same input always produces the same hash, but the original text cannot be recovered from the hash.

Which hash algorithm should I use?

For security purposes, use SHA-256 or SHA-512. MD5 and SHA-1 are considered cryptographically broken and should only be used for non-security checksums.

Is this tool safe for hashing passwords?

This tool demonstrates raw hashing for learning and verification purposes. Real password storage should use a salted, slow algorithm like bcrypt or Argon2, not a raw hash.

Does this tool send my data anywhere?

No. All hashing happens locally in your browser using the crypto-js library - your input is never transmitted to a server.

Hash Generator - Generate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256 Hashes

Understanding Hash Types

SHA-256 and SHA-512 are modern, collision-resistant algorithms used across TLS certificates, blockchain systems, and file integrity checks. MD5 and SHA-1 are older, faster algorithms that are now considered cryptographically broken and vulnerable to collision attacks - they should only be used for legacy compatibility or quick checksums, never for security-critical purposes.

Common Use Cases

Developers use hash generators to verify file integrity after downloads, generate checksums for deduplication, create deterministic identifiers, and compare data without storing the original content. Want to learn more about how hashing protects passwords behind the scenes? Read our guide on what a hashed password is. For related tools, check out our UUID generator, text encoders, and API key generator.

How to use it

Paste or type your input text into the Input Text box.
Choose an algorithm from the dropdown. Pick SHA-256 or SHA-512 for anything security-relevant.
The hash appears instantly in the output box; copy it with the copy button.

Example

Hashing the text hello with SHA-256 produces 2cf24dba5fb0a30e26e83b2ac5b9e29e1b161e5c1fa7425e73043362938b9824. Change a single character and the output changes completely — this “avalanche” property is what makes hashes useful for detecting tampering. The same input always yields the same hash, but the original text cannot be recovered from the hash alone.

Limitations

Raw hashes are not suitable for storing real user passwords. Use a salted, slow key-derivation function such as bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2 for that.
MD5 and SHA-1 are broken for collision resistance; use them only for legacy checksums, never for security.
This tool hashes the exact text you enter; it does not add a salt or iterate.

Hash Generator