Hash Generator
FreeGenerate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512 hashes instantly in your browser.
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MD5
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SHA-1
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SHA-256
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SHA-384
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SHA-512
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What is a cryptographic hash?
A cryptographic hash function is a one-way function that converts any input into a fixed-size string of characters. Hashes are widely used to verify data integrity, store passwords securely (with additional salt and key-stretching), generate checksums, and create digital signatures. This tool generates MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512 hashes entirely in your browser.
Common uses
- Verifying file integrity (checksums for downloads)
- Generating cache keys and ETags for web responses
- Deduplicating data by content fingerprint
- Producing commit hashes in version control systems
- Building digital signatures and HMAC tokens
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hash function?
A hash function takes an input of any size and produces a fixed-size output (the hash). The same input always produces the same hash, but even a tiny change in the input creates a completely different output. Good hash functions make it infeasible to find the original input from the hash alone.
Which hash algorithm should I use?
For security-sensitive uses (password hashing, digital signatures, integrity checks), use SHA-256 or SHA-512. SHA-1 and MD5 are considered broken for security but are still useful for checksums, caching keys, and non-security uses. Never use MD5 or SHA-1 for new security systems.
Is MD5 still safe to use?
MD5 is not cryptographically secure — collisions can be found in seconds. It is still widely used for non-security purposes like cache keys, ETags, and file deduplication, but should never be used for digital signatures, password storage, or integrity verification against a motivated attacker.
Is my input sent to a server?
No. All hashes are computed locally in your browser using the Web Crypto API (for SHA) and a pure-JavaScript implementation (for MD5). Your input never leaves your device.
Why are the SHA-1 and SHA-256 hashes so different for the same input?
Different algorithms use different internal operations, block sizes, and output sizes. SHA-1 produces a 160-bit (40-hex-character) hash, while SHA-256 produces a 256-bit (64-hex-character) hash. They are designed to be independent — knowing one tells you nothing about the other.