Hash Generator
Generate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, SHA-512 hashes
MD5
128-bit, fast but deprecated
SHA-256
256-bit, recommended
SHA-512
512-bit, maximum security
What is a Hash Function?
A cryptographic hash function converts input data of any size into a fixed-size output called a "hash" or "digest". Hash functions are one-way: the same input always produces the same hash, but you cannot reverse a hash back to the original input.
Hash Algorithms Compared
| Algorithm | Output Size | Security | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| MD5 | 128 bits (32 chars) | ❌ Broken | Checksums only |
| SHA-1 | 160 bits (40 chars) | ⚠️ Weak | Legacy systems |
| SHA-256 | 256 bits (64 chars) | ✅ Secure | Recommended standard |
| SHA-384 | 384 bits (96 chars) | ✅ Secure | High security needs |
| SHA-512 | 512 bits (128 chars) | ✅ Secure | Maximum security |
Common Use Cases
File Integrity
Verify files haven't been corrupted or modified during transfer
Password Storage
Store password hashes instead of plaintext passwords
Digital Signatures
Sign documents and verify authenticity
Blockchain
SHA-256 is the foundation of Bitcoin and many cryptocurrencies
⚠️ Security Recommendations
- • Never use MD5 or SHA-1 for security-critical applications
- • For password hashing, use specialized algorithms like bcrypt, Argon2, or scrypt
- • SHA-256 is the minimum recommended algorithm for cryptographic purposes
- • Consider SHA-512 for data that needs long-term security
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reverse a hash to get the original text?
No. Hash functions are one-way - it's mathematically impossible to reverse a hash. This is what makes them useful for password storage.
Why does the same input always produce the same hash?
Hash functions are deterministic algorithms. Given the same input, they always perform the same calculations and produce identical output. This is essential for verification purposes.
What's a hash collision?
A collision occurs when two different inputs produce the same hash. While theoretically possible for any hash function, modern algorithms like SHA-256 make collisions practically impossible to find.
Is my data secure?
Yes! All hash generation happens in your browser using the Web Crypto API. Your data never leaves your device.