Hash Generator: MD5, SHA-256 and More
Compute the hash of a piece of text or a file to check a download, compare files, or build an API signature. All common algorithms are shown at once, and files are hashed on your device without uploading.
How to generate a hash
- 1Choose Text or A file.
- 2Type your text or pick a file. The hashes appear right away.
- 3Turn on HMAC and enter a key if you need a keyed hash, then copy the value you need.
Check a download
Software sites often publish a SHA-256 checksum next to a download. Hash the file you downloaded and compare: if the values match, the file is complete and unchanged.
HMAC for APIs
HMAC combines a hash with a secret key, which is how many APIs and webhooks sign requests. Enter the key to get HMAC-SHA1, SHA-256, SHA-384 and SHA-512 of your text.
Which algorithm
MD5 and SHA-1 are fast and fine for spotting accidental changes, but they're broken for security. Use SHA-256 or SHA-512 for anything that must resist tampering. For storing passwords, use a password hashing function such as bcrypt or Argon2 instead.
Frequently asked questions
- Are my files uploaded?
- No. Files are read and hashed in your browser, so even large private files stay on your device.
- How big a file can I hash?
- Up to 2 GB. Very large files take a few seconds.
- Why is my hash different from another tool's?
- A single extra space or line break changes the hash completely. Text is hashed exactly as typed, as UTF-8.