Hash Generator
Generate secure cryptographic hashes (SHA-256, SHA-384, SHA-512) directly in your browser.
Hash Output
What is a Cryptographic Hash?
A cryptographic hash function converts input data of any size into a fixed-size string of characters. Hashing is a one-way operation — you cannot reverse a hash to recover the original data. This makes hashes ideal for verifying data integrity, storing password fingerprints, and generating checksums.
This tool uses the browser's Web Crypto API to compute hashes locally. Your input data is never transmitted to any server.
Hash Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Output Size | Security Status | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| MD5 | 128-bit (32 hex chars) | ⚠️ Broken — avoid for security | File checksums (non-security) |
| SHA-1 | 160-bit (40 hex chars) | ⚠️ Deprecated | Legacy systems only |
| SHA-256 | 256-bit (64 hex chars) | ✅ Secure | Digital signatures, Bitcoin, TLS |
| SHA-384 | 384-bit (96 hex chars) | ✅ Secure | Higher security margin |
| SHA-512 | 512-bit (128 hex chars) | ✅ Secure | High-security applications |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cryptographic hash?
A one-way function converting any input to a fixed-size digest. Same input always gives same output; cannot be reversed.
SHA-256 vs SHA-512?
SHA-256 = 64 hex chars (256-bit). SHA-512 = 128 hex chars (512-bit). Both are secure. SHA-512 is faster on 64-bit CPUs.
Can I use SHA-256 for password hashing in .NET?
No. Use BCrypt, Argon2, or PBKDF2 — fast hashes like SHA are vulnerable to brute-force attacks.
How do I generate SHA-256 in C#?
using var sha = SHA256.Create(); var hash = Convert.ToHexString(sha.ComputeHash(Encoding.UTF8.GetBytes(input)));
Is MD5 still safe?
MD5 is cryptographically broken. Never use for passwords or digital signatures. Acceptable only for non-security checksums.