Hash Generator
All three SHA hashes compute live as you type, using your browser's cryptographic engine.
| SHA-256 | ||
|---|---|---|
| SHA-1 | ||
| SHA-512 |
Hashed on your device via WebCrypto — input never leaves this page.
The avalanche effect, live
Type hello, note the SHA-256, then add one character. Every hex digit scrambles — that's
the avalanche property, and it's why hashes detect tampering: there's no such thing as a "slightly
different" hash. It's also why hashes are one-way; the output preserves no usable structure of the input.
Common questions
What is a hash?
A fixed-length fingerprint of any input: the same text always produces the same hash, and changing even one character produces a completely different one. Used to verify downloads, store passwords (well, their hashes), and detect tampering.
Which algorithm should I use?
SHA-256 is the modern default — it's what file checksums, Git (newer), and Bitcoin use. SHA-512 for extra margin. SHA-1 only when matching a legacy system that requires it — it's cryptographically broken for security purposes but still appears as a checksum.
Why is MD5 not offered?
MD5 has been thoroughly broken since the 2000s — collisions can be manufactured at will — and browsers' built-in crypto deliberately doesn't implement it. If a legacy system demands MD5, that system is the problem worth fixing.
Is my text sent anywhere to be hashed?
No — hashing runs through your browser's WebCrypto engine on your device. Paste secrets with confidence; they never leave the page.