Which hash algorithm should I use?

For security-related purposes, use SHA-256 or SHA-512. MD5 and SHA-1 are cryptographically broken and should not be relied on for security, though they remain useful for non-security tasks like checksums, deduplication, and cache keys.

Is text or a file uploaded anywhere when using this hash generator?

No. Every hash is computed locally in the browser. Nothing typed or uploaded, including file contents, is sent to a server.

Hash Generator — MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512

Q: What is a hash used for?

A hash function takes any input, text or a file, and produces a fixed-length string that uniquely represents it. Changing one character of the input produces a completely different hash. Common uses include verifying a download wasn't corrupted, comparing text without exposing it directly, and generating cache keys or identifiers.

Q: Can a hash be reversed back into the original text?

No. Hash functions are one-way. There is no calculation that turns a hash back into its original input; the only way to reverse one is to guess inputs and hash each until a match is found.

Text input

Text to hash

Or hash a file instead

Drag & drop a file here, or click to browse

Hashes

MD5

SHA-1

SHA-256

SHA-512

Frequently asked questions

What is a hash used for?

A hash function takes any input — text or a file — and produces a fixed-length string (the "hash" or "digest") that uniquely represents it. Changing even one character of the input produces a completely different hash. Common uses include verifying a downloaded file wasn't corrupted or tampered with, checking that two pieces of text are identical without comparing them directly, and generating cache keys or identifiers.

Which algorithm should I use?

For anything security-related — passwords, digital signatures, verifying that a file hasn't been maliciously altered — use SHA-256 or SHA-512. MD5 and SHA-1 are both considered cryptographically broken (researchers can deliberately craft two different files that produce the same MD5 or SHA-1 hash) and should not be relied on for security purposes. They're still useful and widely used for non-security tasks like checksums on official software downloads, deduplication, and cache keys, which is why they're included here alongside SHA-256 and SHA-512.

Can a hash be reversed back into the original text?

No. Hash functions are one-way — there's no calculation that turns a hash back into its original input. The only way to "reverse" one is to guess inputs and hash each one until a match turns up, which is exactly why hashing alone (without additional techniques like salting) is not a safe way to store passwords.

Is my text or file uploaded anywhere?

No. Every hash on this page is computed locally in your browser — nothing you type or upload, including file contents, is sent to a server.