Hash Generator

Generate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 hashes from any text. All processing happens in your browser.

How it works: Type or paste text below and see its hash in multiple algorithms instantly. All hashing is done locally using the Web Crypto API — your text never leaves your browser.

HMAC
Enter some text to generate hashes

What is a Hash Function?

A cryptographic hash function takes any input data and produces a fixed-size output (the hash or digest). The same input always produces the same hash, but even a tiny change in the input produces a completely different output. Hash functions are one-way — you cannot reverse a hash to recover the original data.

Common Hash Algorithms

MD5 produces a 128-bit (32 hex character) hash. It is fast but considered cryptographically broken — use it only for checksums, not security. SHA-1 produces a 160-bit (40 hex character) hash and is also deprecated for security. SHA-256 and SHA-512 (part of the SHA-2 family) produce 256-bit and 512-bit hashes respectively and are widely used in TLS, digital signatures, and blockchain.

When to Use Each Algorithm

Use SHA-256 for most purposes: file integrity verification, digital signatures, password hashing (with salt), and blockchain. Use SHA-512 when you need a longer hash or slightly better performance on 64-bit systems. Use MD5 only for non-security checksums like verifying file downloads. Avoid SHA-1 for any security-related purpose.

Common Use Cases

  • File integrity verification (checksums)
  • Password storage (with salt and key stretching)
  • Digital signatures and certificates
  • Blockchain and cryptocurrency
  • Data deduplication
  • Git commit identifiers (SHA-1)