How to use it
- Paste your text.
- Pick an algorithm.
- Copy the hex or Base64 digest.
Why use it
- Create checksums for files and text.
- Verify data integrity quickly.
- Compare values to detect changes.
- Uses your browser's secure Web Crypto.
- No data leaves your device.
What is a hash?
A hash function takes any input (a word, a file, a password) and produces a fixed-length string (the digest) that looks random. The same input always produces the same output, but even a tiny change to the input produces a completely different hash. This one-way property makes hashes ideal for verifying integrity without revealing the original data.
Common uses of hashing
- Integrity checks: compare the checksum of a downloaded file against the published value to confirm it was not corrupted or tampered with.
- Change detection: hash a config or data snapshot to tell instantly whether it changed.
- Deduplication: identify identical blocks or records by their hash.
- Password storage: stores only a hash instead of the plaintext password.
SHA-1 vs. SHA-256 vs. SHA-512
| Algorithm | Output length (hex) | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|
| SHA-1 | 40 chars | Legacy systems; considered weak for security |
| SHA-256 | 64 chars | Modern security, TLS, and checksums |
| SHA-384 | 96 chars | Higher-security use cases |
| SHA-512 | 128 chars | Highest strength in the SHA-2 family |
A common mistake is using a fast hash like SHA-256 to store passwords. Because fast hashes can be brute-forced quickly, password storage should use a slow, salted algorithm such as bcrypt or Argon2. Use SHA hashes here for integrity and verification, not for passwords.