Hash Generator
Generate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256 and SHA-512 cryptographic hashes from any text or string. All hashing runs in your browser using the native Web Crypto API — your input is never sent to a server. Ideal for checksums, fingerprinting and verifying data integrity.
Hash Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Output length | Security | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| MD5 | 128 bits (32 hex) | Weak (broken) | File checksums, legacy |
| SHA-1 | 160 bits (40 hex) | Weak (deprecated) | Git commits, old TLS |
| SHA-256 | 256 bits (64 hex) | Strong | TLS, code signing, Bitcoin |
| SHA-512 | 512 bits (128 hex) | Very strong | High-security applications |
When to Use Each Hash
SHA-256 is the current standard for most security applications. It is used in TLS certificates, blockchain, code signing and file integrity verification. SHA-512 offers greater security margin and is preferred in high-security contexts. MD5 and SHA-1 should only be used for non-security checksums — they are vulnerable to collision attacks.
Hashing vs Encryption
Hashing is one-way — you cannot get the original text from a hash. Encryption is two-way — you can decrypt ciphertext with the correct key. Never use a hash to store passwords without a salt; use bcrypt or Argon2 instead. For two-way transformation, use our Encryption / Decryption tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hash function?
It takes any input and produces a fixed-length digest. Same input always gives the same hash, but it is computationally infeasible to reverse.
Is MD5 still secure?
No. MD5 is broken for security uses. It is still fine for file checksums and non-security fingerprinting.
Which hash algorithm should I use?
Use SHA-256 or SHA-512 for security. For passwords, use bcrypt, Argon2 or PBKDF2 — not a general-purpose hash.
Can I reverse a hash?
No. Hashes are one-way by design. Attackers use rainbow tables or brute force to guess common inputs, not mathematical reversal.