Hash generator · Guide
Hash Generator Online: SHA-256, SHA-1, SHA-512
A hash generator turns any text into a fixed-length digest using a one-way function. This guide covers what hashing is for, which SHA variant to pick, and what hashing cannot do.
What a hash is
A cryptographic hash maps input of any size to a fixed-length string, deterministically: the same input always yields the same digest, and a tiny change produces a completely different one. It is one-way — you cannot reverse a hash back to the input.
This tool uses the browser Web Crypto API, so digests are computed locally and the text never leaves your machine.
Pick an algorithm
SHA-256 is the sensible default for integrity checks. SHA-384 and SHA-512 produce longer digests for higher assurance. SHA-1 is included for compatibility but is considered weak — avoid it for security.
What hashing is not
Hashing is not encryption and not password storage on its own. Storing user passwords needs a slow, salted algorithm like bcrypt or Argon2, not a bare SHA digest.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get the original text back from a hash?
No. Hashing is one-way by design. Identical input always produces the same digest, but the digest cannot be reversed.
Should I hash passwords with SHA-256?
No. Passwords need a slow, salted hash such as bcrypt or Argon2. Plain SHA-256 is too fast and unsalted for password storage.
Ready to try it?
Open the free browser-based Hash generator and apply what you just read — no sign-up, runs locally.
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