Hash Generator
Generate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256 and other secure hashes instantly.
Client-Side Security
Your input never leaves your browser. All hashing is performed locally using JavaScript, making it safe to generate hashes for sensitive data.
Related Security Tools
Secure Online Hash Generator
Hashing is the cryptographic process of converting any input text into a fixed-length string of characters, known as a "digest" or "hash". It is the digital fingerprint of your data.
Our Free Hash Generator allows you to instantly compute MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 hashes. Unlike other online tools that upload your sensitive data to a server, our tool runs 100% locally in your browser. This makes it safe to hash passwords, API keys, or confidential strings without fear of interception.
Supported Algorithms
MD5 (Message Digest 5)
Produces a 128-bit hash. Once the standard, it is now broken and suffers from collision vulnerabilities.Best for: File integrity checks, checksums (non-security).
SHA-256
Part of the SHA-2 family designed by the NSA. It produces a 256-bit signature and is currently unbreakable.Best for: SSL Certificates, Blockchain, Password Storage.
SHA-512
Also part of SHA-2, but produces a massive 512-bit hash. It offers the highest level of collision resistance.Best for: Government grade security, critical systems.
SHA-1
Produces a 160-bit hash. Google successfully demonstrated a collision attack on SHA-1 in 2017 ("SHAttered").Best for: Legacy systems compatibility (avoid if possible).
Hashing vs. Encryption
A common confusion for beginners is the difference between these two cryptographic concepts.
| Feature | Encryption | Hashing |
|---|---|---|
| Direction | Two-Way (Reversible) | One-Way (Irreversible) |
| Goal | Confidentiality | Integrity / Verification |
| Mechanism | Uses a Key to lock/unlock | Uses math to "digest" content |
| Example | AES, RSA (Sending emails) | SHA-256 (Storing passwords) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I decrypt or reverse a hash?
No. Hashing is a one-way function. It is mathematically impossible to reverse a hash to get the original text. This is why it is used for storing passwords—even if the database is stolen, the attacker cannot see the user's actual password.
What is a 'Salt' and why should I use it?
A 'Salt' is random data added to the input before hashing (e.g., Hash(password + salt)). This prevents attackers from using Rainbow Tables (pre-computed lists of common password hashes) to crack your password. Always use unique salts for each user.
Why is MD5 considered insecure?
MD5 is vulnerable to Collision Attacks, where two different inputs can produce the exact same hash. This makes it unsafe for digital signatures or SSL certificates. However, it is still perfectly fine for non-security uses like file integrity checksums.
Which algorithm is best for passwords?
For passwords, you should actually use slow hashing algorithms like bcrypt, Argon2, or scrypt (which we also provide tools for!), rather than simple fast hashes like SHA-256. Fast hashes allow attackers to guess billions of passwords per second.
Is my data safe with this tool?
Yes. This tool runs 100% in your browser. We do not send your input text to any server. You can even disconnect your internet and the tool will still work.
What is the breakdown of SHA-256?
SHA-256 (Secure Hash Algorithm 256-bit) produces a 256-bit (32-byte) digest. It is typically represented as a 64-character hexadecimal string. It is the backbone of Bitcoin security.
What does 'Avalanche Effect' mean?
In a good hash function, changing just one single character in the input should drastically change the entire output hash. This makes it impossible to predict the input based on the output.
Can I hash a file with this?
Currently, this page supports text strings. For files, the browser would need to read the file buffer. We are working on a 'File Checksum' feature to be released soon!
Is SHA-256 quantum proof?
Mostly, yes. While Grover's Algorithm could theoretically speed up finding collisions, SHA-256 is generally considered secure against quantum computers for the foreseeable future, unlike RSA encryption.
What is the difference between Hashing and Encryption?
Encryption is two-way (requires a key to lock and unlock). Hashing is one-way (like a fingerprint). You encrypt a letter to send it secretly; you hash a password to verify it without knowing it.