Hash Functions Guide
Complete guide to MD5, SHA-256, SHA-512 and cryptographic hash functions.
Hash Generator — MD5 · SHA-1 · SHA-256 · SHA-512 Simultaneously
All 4 algorithms simultaneously · HMAC mode · File hashing · Compare · Batch · 100% browser-side
Show:
INPUT — TEXT / STRING
HASH RESULTS
Type text → get all 4 hashes instantly
MD5 · SHA-1 · SHA-256 · SHA-512 · Real-time
MD5128-bit · 32 hex chars · Fast · Not for security
SHA-1160-bit · 40 hex chars · Deprecated for security
SHA-256256-bit · 64 hex chars · Industry standard
SHA-512512-bit · 128 hex chars · Maximum security
🔍 Compare Hash — Verify File / Data Integrity
Generate all 4 cryptographic hashes simultaneously — MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512. Real-time results as you type. HMAC mode for API authentication. Drag & drop any file to hash its contents without uploading. 100% browser-side.
What is a Hash Function?
A hash function converts any input — text, password, file — into a fixed-length string of hexadecimal characters. The same input always produces the same hash, but even a single character change produces a completely different hash. Hashes are one-way — you cannot reverse them to recover the original input.
MD5 vs SHA-1 vs SHA-256 vs SHA-512
MD5 (128-bit, 32 hex chars) is fast and widely used for non-security checksums but is cryptographically broken. SHA-1 (160-bit, 40 hex chars) is deprecated for security use since 2017. SHA-256 (256-bit, 64 hex chars) is the current industry standard — used in SSL certificates, Bitcoin, and code signing. SHA-512 (512-bit, 128 hex chars) offers maximum security for highly sensitive applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hash function?
A hash function converts any input into a fixed-length hex string. Same input always gives same hash. You cannot reverse a hash. Used for password storage, file verification, and digital signatures.
Which hash should I use for passwords?
None of these directly — use bcrypt, Argon2, or PBKDF2 for passwords. These hashes are too fast for password storage. SHA-256/512 are for data integrity, digital signatures, and HMAC authentication.
What is HMAC and when do I use it?
HMAC combines a hash with a secret key to verify both data integrity and authenticity. Used in API request signing, webhook verification (GitHub, Stripe), and JWT HS256 signatures.
Can I hash a file?
Yes. Switch to File mode or drag any file into the tool. The browser reads and hashes it locally — nothing is uploaded. Use file hashing to verify a download matches its official checksum.
Is MD5 safe to use?
MD5 is not safe for cryptographic security — collisions are known. For non-security uses like quick checksums or cache keys, MD5 is fine. For anything security-related, use SHA-256 or SHA-512.
Related Blog Articles
You might also like
Related Tools
Popular
JWT Decoder
Decode JWT tokens — header, payload, claims, expiry countdown & security warnings.
Popular
URL Parser
Parse any URL into protocol, host, path, query params, and fragment — live breakdown, encoder/decoder, cURL generator and diff.
AES Encrypt / Decrypt
AES-128/192/256 encryption with GCM, CBC, CTR modes. PBKDF2 key derivation. 100% browser-side.
Popular
Box Shadow Generator
Multi-layer box shadows. Neon, Neumorphic, Soft presets. Tailwind, CSS variable output. Live preview on card/button/circle.
Popular
UUID Generator
Generate v1, v4, v6, v7 UUIDs in bulk. Validate, inspect & decode any UUID version. Export as JSON, CSV, SQL, TypeScript.
Explore Other Tools
🌾 Farming
Irrigation Cost Calculator
12 Gujarat crops ET data. Drip/sprinkler/flood, electric/diesel/solar pump. DGVCL/UGVCL rates, GGRC 55% subsidy, solar payback, monthly calendar, cost per quintal.
🎨 Media
Video to GIF
MP4, WebM, MOV ko animated GIF mein convert karo. Trim, FPS, reverse, speed control. No watermark, browser-only.
💰 Finance
EMI Calculator
Loan EMI with pie chart, amortization & total interest breakdown.