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Hash Generator Online — SHA-256, SHA-512 & More
Generate SHA-256, SHA-512, SHA-384, and SHA-1 hashes from any text — instantly, as you type, all four in parallel. Runs on your browser's Web Crypto API: private, fast, and free.
Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Output | Security | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHA-1 | 160 bits | Weak | Legacy systems, checksums (not for security) |
| SHA-256 | 256 bits | Strong | Most common — TLS, blockchain, digital signatures |
| SHA-384 | 384 bits | Strong | Government/enterprise systems |
| SHA-512 | 512 bits | Strong | Maximum security, large data integrity |
How to Generate a Hash in 3 Steps
- 1
Type or paste your text
Any string — a password to fingerprint, an API payload, a sentence to compare. Hashing starts instantly.
- 2
Read all four hashes at once
SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512 compute in parallel — no algorithm dropdown needed.
- 3
Copy what you need
One hash or all of them, uppercase or lowercase hex — ready for configs, docs, or verification.
SHA-256 vs SHA-512 vs SHA-1: Which to Use
| Algorithm | Output | Status | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHA-256 | 256-bit / 64 hex chars | Recommended default | Checksums, integrity, signatures, blockchain |
| SHA-512 | 512-bit / 128 hex chars | Strong | Extra security margin, fast on 64-bit CPUs |
| SHA-384 | 384-bit / 96 hex chars | Strong | TLS certificates, truncated SHA-512 variant |
| SHA-1 | 160-bit / 40 hex chars | Broken for security | Legacy compatibility, git object IDs, non-security checksums |
What Is Hashing (in 60 Seconds)?
A hash function turns input of any size into a fixed-size fingerprint. The same input always produces the same hash; change one character and the entire hash changes; and it is one-way — you cannot recover the input from the hash. That combination powers download verification, data integrity checks, digital signatures, and git commits.
Need to hash a file instead of text?
Built into your OS — no tool needed
# Windows (PowerShell) Get-FileHash .\file.zip -Algorithm SHA256 # macOS / Linux shasum -a 256 file.zip
Never store passwords as plain SHA hashes
Fast hashes like SHA-256 are exactly what attackers want for brute-forcing leaked password databases. Real systems use slow, salted algorithms — bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2 — designed to make guessing expensive. Use this generator for checksums and fingerprints; use a proper password hasher (and a strong generated password) for credentials — the full logic is in our password security guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I generate a SHA-256 hash online?
Type or paste your text above — the SHA-256 hash (plus SHA-1, SHA-384, and SHA-512) computes instantly as you type, using your browser's Web Crypto API. Copy any result with one click.
Is my data safe?
Yes. All hashing runs in your browser via the Web Crypto API — no text is sent to any server, which makes it safe for sensitive strings.
Which hash algorithm should I use?
SHA-256 is the modern default — strong, fast, and universally supported. SHA-512 for extra margin or 64-bit performance. SHA-1 only for legacy compatibility and non-security checksums — it is cryptographically broken for signatures.
Why is MD5 not included?
MD5 is cryptographically broken and deliberately excluded from the Web Crypto API. If something asks for MD5 today, it is legacy — use SHA-256 anywhere you have the choice.
Can I hash a file with this tool?
This tool hashes text. For files, your OS has it built in: PowerShell's Get-FileHash on Windows, shasum -a 256 on macOS/Linux — both produce the same SHA-256 you can verify against a download page.
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