Hash Generator (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256)
Generate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 hashes of any text, instantly and entirely in your browser.
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Generate 4 common hash types at once
Type or paste any text and all four hashes — MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 — update live below it, each with its own copy button. SHA-256 and SHA-512 are computed with your browser's native Web Crypto API for speed and correctness; MD5 and SHA-1 (no longer available via that API) run through compact JavaScript implementations of the same published algorithms.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hash actually used for?
A hash is a fixed-length fingerprint of any input — the same input always produces the same hash, and changing even one character produces a completely different one. Common uses include verifying a downloaded file hasn't been corrupted or tampered with, storing password fingerprints instead of plain passwords, and detecting duplicate content.
Should I use MD5 for anything security-related?
No — MD5 and SHA-1 are both considered cryptographically broken for security purposes (collisions, where two different inputs produce the same hash, have been demonstrated for both). They're still fine for non-security uses like checksums or cache keys, but for passwords, signatures, or anything security-sensitive, use SHA-256 or SHA-512 at minimum, and ideally a dedicated password-hashing algorithm rather than a general-purpose one.
Why do I get a different hash than a file-verification page shows?
This tool hashes the text you type or paste, not a file. If you're verifying a downloaded file's checksum, you need to hash the file's actual bytes, which is a different operation from hashing text — a dedicated file-hashing tool is what you'd want for that.
Is my text sent to a server to be hashed?
No — SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 use your browser's built-in Web Crypto API, and MD5 runs via a small JavaScript implementation, both entirely client-side. Nothing you type is ever sent anywhere.