What is a hash generator?
A hash generator turns any text into a fixed-length fingerprint — its hash. The same input always produces the same output, and even a one-character change produces a completely different hash, which makes hashes useful for spotting whether data has changed. This tool computes SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512 as you type, using your browser's built-in Web Crypto API, so your text never leaves the device.
SHA-1 vs SHA-256 vs SHA-384 vs SHA-512
All four belong to the SHA family and are one-way functions; they differ in output size and security:
- SHA-1 — 160-bit output. Broken for security use; kept for legacy checksums.
- SHA-256 — 256-bit output from SHA-2. The common default for integrity and fingerprints.
- SHA-384 and SHA-512 — longer SHA-2 variants, for when a larger digest is required.
When in doubt, reach for SHA-256.
How to use the hash generator
- Type or paste text into the input.
- All four digests appear immediately and update as you type.
- Toggle uppercase hex if a system you're matching expects capitals.
- Copy the hash you need with its Copy button.
What hashing is good for (and what it isn't)
Hashing verifies integrity — that a file, message, or value hasn't changed — and creates stable fingerprints for caching and comparison. It is not encryption: there's no key and nothing to reverse. And it's not the right tool for storing passwords on its own — use a slow, salted algorithm such as bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2 for that, since a raw SHA hash of a password is far too fast to be safe.