Hash Generator (SHA)

About Hash Generator (SHA)

A hash is a fixed-length fingerprint of data. Enter text and see its SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384 and SHA-512 hashes, computed in your browser. Use hashes to check file integrity or compare values. Do not store passwords with plain SHA hashes, since dedicated password hashing is needed.

Example

Input: hello. Output: SHA-256 2cf24dba5fb0a30e26e83b2ac5b9e29e1b161e5c1fa7425e73043362938b9824.

Tips for better results

• The same input always gives the same hash.
• Small changes produce very different hashes.
• SHA-1 is considered weak for security uses.

When to use Hash Generator (SHA)

Use this when you need a fingerprint of a piece of text, for example to confirm two strings are identical without comparing them by eye, or to match a value against a checksum published by a software vendor. Developers, system administrators and security-minded users run into this during testing, deployment checks and documentation work. Remember that the result only describes the exact text entered, so even an invisible trailing space changes the output.

Real-world uses

• A developer compares the SHA-256 of a configuration string on two servers to confirm both environments hold exactly the same value.
• An IT administrator checks a short text token against a published checksum to see whether a copied value was altered in transit.
• A tester generates sample hashes to fill a fixture file that mimics how a system stores fingerprints of document contents.
• A student studying cryptography enters one word, changes a single letter, and compares the outputs to see how different they look.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Hashing text with an extra space, tab or line break at the end. The output changes completely, so copy the input carefully and trim it.
• Comparing hashes from different algorithms. A SHA-256 value will never equal a SHA-512 value, so confirm the algorithm named by the source.
• Using a plain hash to protect stored passwords. Services should use a slow, salted password hashing method designed for that job.

Generate SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384 and SHA-512 hashes. It works instantly in your browser, so there is nothing to install and nothing to upload. Hash Generator (SHA) is part of our collection of 100 free tools in the Developer & Data category.

How to use it

1. Enter your information or choose a file in the tool above.
2. Your result appears right below the tool.
3. Copy the result, or adjust your input and try again.

Frequently asked questions

Why are the hashes different lengths?

Each algorithm produces a fixed output size. SHA-256 gives 64 hex characters, SHA-384 gives 96 and SHA-512 gives 128, no matter how short or long your input text is.

Can I hash a file with this tool?

This tool hashes text you type or paste. A file is checked by comparing hashes of its bytes, which usually needs a command-line utility or a desktop tool that reads the whole file.

Is Hash Generator (SHA) free to use?

Yes. Hash Generator (SHA) is completely free and you do not need to create an account.

Is my data uploaded anywhere?

No. This tool runs in your browser, so what you type or choose stays on your device.

How accurate are the results?

Calculations use standard formulas, but always double-check important figures, especially for money, health or legal decisions.