Generate a hash from any text using SHA-256, SHA-1, or MD5. All hashing runs locally in your browser.
Which hash algorithm should you use
SHA-256 is the recommended choice for most uses, including verifying file integrity. SHA-1 and MD5 are still common for compatibility with legacy systems, but both are considered cryptographically broken and unsuitable for passwords or security purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between SHA-256, SHA-1, and MD5?
SHA-256 is the most secure of the three and is recommended for most uses. SHA-1 and MD5 are considered cryptographically broken and unsuitable for security, though still common for compatibility purposes like file checksums.
Can I use this to hash a password?
It’s not recommended. Real-world password hashing needs salting and a dedicated algorithm (like bcrypt), not a general-purpose hash like plain SHA-256.
Is my text sent to a server to compute the hash?
No. All hashing happens locally in your browser using the Web Crypto API (for SHA) and local JavaScript (for MD5).