A hash is a short, fixed-length fingerprint of any data. Change a single character and the hash changes completely, but the same input always gives the same hash. That makes hashes ideal for verifying downloads (does this file match the checksum on the website?), spotting duplicate files, building cache keys, signing API requests and checking that data hasn't been altered in transit. This free hash generator computes SHA-256, SHA-512, SHA-384, SHA-1 and MD5 all at once, for text you type or for any file you choose, even large ones like ISO images. The SHA family uses your browser's built-in Web Crypto engine, and MD5 is calculated by a small built-in routine, all on your device. Text is hashed as UTF-8, so the results match the command-line tools sha256sum and md5sum and libraries in every major language. Choose lowercase or uppercase hex, or Base64. To check a download, paste the expected checksum into the compare box and the matching algorithm lights up with a tick. A note on security: MD5 and SHA-1 are broken for security use and are fine only for checksums. Never store passwords as plain hashes, and use bcrypt, scrypt or Argon2 instead. Files never leave your computer.
Generate hashes
How to verify a download
- Choose File and select the downloaded file.
- Paste the checksum published by the developer.
- A tick means the file is identical; no match means re-download it.
Which algorithm?
- SHA-256: the modern default for checksums and signatures.
- SHA-512/384: longer digests from the same family.
- SHA-1, MD5: legacy, for checksums only, not security.
FAQ
Can a hash be reversed?
No. Hashes are one-way. Short or common inputs can be guessed from lookup tables, though, so they don’t hide simple secrets.
Why does my hash differ from another tool?
Check for trailing spaces or newlines. Many tools add a newline (echo without -n). Text here is hashed exactly as typed, in UTF-8.
Is there a file size limit?
Very large files are limited by your device’s memory; a few GB usually works on a desktop.
Is my file uploaded?
No. Hashing happens entirely in your browser.
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