Toolstia / Hash generator (SHA-256, SHA-512)
Generate SHA hashes for text or files
A hash is a short fingerprint of some data. Change one character and the hash changes completely. Enter text or choose a file to get its SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384 and SHA-512 hashes. Nothing is uploaded.
Hashes are shown in lower-case hexadecimal. MD5 is not offered because browsers do not include it and it is no longer safe for security uses.
How it works
- Choose Text or A file.
- Type your text or drop the file.
- Copy the hash you need.
Checking a download
Software sites often publish a SHA-256 hash next to a download. Hash your downloaded file here and compare. If the values match exactly, the file is the one that was published and was not damaged in transit.
Which algorithm
SHA-256 is the usual choice today. SHA-384 and SHA-512 are longer variants. SHA-1 is shown for checking older files, but it is no longer considered safe against deliberate attacks.
Why no MD5
Browsers do not include MD5, and it is also broken for security uses, so it is not offered.
Not for passwords
Do not store passwords as a plain SHA hash. Use a purpose-built password hashing method such as bcrypt, scrypt or Argon2 on the server.
Questions
Is my file uploaded?
No. The file is read and hashed in your browser. It never leaves your device.
How large a file can I hash?
Up to 200 MB. Larger files need much more memory than a browser tab usually has.
Why does the same text give a different hash elsewhere?
A trailing space, a different line ending or different text encoding changes the hash. This tool hashes your text as UTF-8 exactly as typed.
Is a hash the same as encryption?
No. A hash cannot be reversed to get the original data back.