Hash generator (SHA-256, MD5)

Type text or choose a file to get its checksums in every common algorithm - and check whether they match the one you were given.

Text File

Text

HEX Base64

Uppercase

HMAC (with a key)

Key

MD5 · checksums only: –
SHA-1 · checksums only: –
SHA-256: –
SHA-384: –
SHA-512: –

Compare with a checksum

Everything happens in your browser - nothing you type here is sent to any server.

How it works

What a hash is for

A hash is a data fingerprint: the same text or file always gives the same result, and the smallest change gives a completely different one. So you can check that a downloaded file wasn't damaged or swapped: compare its SHA-256 with the checksum its author published.

MD5 and SHA-1 are history

With MD5 and SHA-1 two different files with the same hash can be made on purpose, so they're no good for security - only for catching accidental corruption and working with old systems. Use SHA-256 or stronger for everything else. And for passwords, use dedicated algorithms like Argon2 or bcrypt, never a plain hash.

Frequently asked questions

Can a hash be reversed?

No - a hash is a one-way function. Short, common texts can still be guessed by trying millions of candidates, which is why passwords need dedicated, salted algorithms.

What is HMAC?

A hash computed with a secret key. It proves the message comes from someone who knows the key - that's how webhooks and JWTs (HS256) are signed.

How large a file can I check?

Hundreds of megabytes are fine - the limit is your browser's memory.