Online Hash Generator

How do I generate a SHA256 hash online?

Paste your text in the input field and the SHA-256 hash appears instantly. All algorithms (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, SHA-512) are computed at once so you can copy whichever you need.

What is the difference between MD5 and SHA-256?

MD5 produces a 128-bit hash (32 hex characters), SHA-256 produces 256-bit (64 hex characters). SHA-256 is cryptographically secure; MD5 has known collision vulnerabilities and should only be used for non-security checksums.

Is MD5 still safe to use?

No, not for security purposes. MD5 has known collision vulnerabilities that allow attackers to create different inputs with the same hash. Use SHA-256 or SHA-512 for passwords and security. MD5 is acceptable for simple file integrity checks.

What is a hash function used for?

Hash functions create fixed-size fingerprints of data. Common uses: password storage (never store plain passwords), file integrity verification, digital signatures, data deduplication, and blockchain technology.

How long is a SHA-512 hash?

SHA-512 produces a 512-bit hash, which is 128 hexadecimal characters or 88 Base64 characters. It provides the maximum collision resistance among common hash algorithms.

Can I reverse a hash to get the original text?

No. Hash functions are mathematically one-way - you cannot reverse them. Attackers use rainbow tables or brute force for weak passwords, which is why strong, unique passwords are essential.

Is my data safe when using an online hash generator?

Only if it's client-side like this one. This tool computes all hashes using WebCrypto API directly in your browser. Your text never leaves your device or gets transmitted to any server.

What does collision resistant mean for a hash?

Collision resistance means finding two different inputs that produce the same hash is computationally infeasible. SHA-256 and SHA-512 are collision resistant; MD5 and SHA-1 are broken in this regard.

How do I verify a file hash matches?

Enter the expected hash in the Compare field, then input your text or file. The tool shows a green checkmark if they match, or red X if they differ, and identifies which algorithm was used.