Mini Tools

Hash Generator: MD5, SHAโ€‘1, SHAโ€‘256, SHAโ€‘512

Hashes are computed locally in your browser (Web Crypto API). Your text and files never leave your device.

Algorithm Digest

What is a hash?

A cryptographic hash function turns data of any size into a short, fixed-length fingerprint. The same input always gives the same hash, while changing even one character produces a completely different result. Hashes are one-way: you cannot recover the original data from the digest.

Supported algorithms

AlgorithmOutput sizeHex lengthStatus
MD5128 bits32Broken for security โ€” fine for non-adversarial checksums
SHAโ€‘1160 bits40Deprecated โ€” practical collisions exist
SHAโ€‘256256 bits64Recommended default (SHAโ€‘2 family)
SHAโ€‘384384 bits96Secure
SHAโ€‘512512 bits128Secure, often faster than SHAโ€‘256 on 64-bit CPUs

Example

Hashes of the text hello (UTFโ€‘8, no trailing newline):

MD55d41402abc4b2a76b9719d911017c592
SHAโ€‘1aaf4c61ddcc5e8a2dabede0f3b482cd9aea9434d
SHAโ€‘2562cf24dba5fb0a30e26e83b2ac5b9e29e1b161e5c1fa7425e73043362938b9824

How to verify a file checksum

  1. Choose the downloaded file with the file picker above.
  2. Compare the SHAโ€‘256 (or the algorithm the publisher lists) with the checksum on the download page.
  3. If they match exactly, the file was not corrupted or tampered with in transit.

Command-line equivalents:

  • Linux: sha256sum file.iso
  • macOS: shasum -a 256 file.iso
  • Windows: certutil -hashfile file.iso SHA256

Storing passwords? Donโ€™t use plain MD5 or SHA hashes โ€” use a slow, salted algorithm such as bcrypt, scrypt or Argon2.

Frequently asked questions

Is my data sent to a server?

No. Text and files are hashed locally in your browser with the Web Crypto API (and a JavaScript MD5 implementation). Nothing is uploaded.

Can a hash be reversed or decrypted?

No. Hash functions are one-way. Short or common inputs can sometimes be found in precomputed lookup tables, which is why passwords need salted, slow hashing.

Is MD5 still safe?

MD5 is fine for detecting accidental corruption, but it is not collision-resistant and must not be used for signatures, certificates or passwords. Use SHA-256 or stronger.

Why is my hash different from another tool?

Usually the input differs invisibly: a trailing newline (echo adds one โ€” use echo -n), Windows vs Unix line endings, or a different text encoding. This tool hashes text as UTF-8.

Does uppercase vs lowercase hex matter?

No. Hex digests are case-insensitive; 5D41โ€ฆ and 5d41โ€ฆ are the same value. Use the Uppercase option if a system expects capital letters.

Can I hash large files?

Yes, as long as your browser has enough memory to read the file. Files of a few hundred megabytes work fine on most devices.