Free Tool

Hash Generator

Generate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512 hashes instantly. 100% client-side - your data never leaves your browser.

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Hash Algorithm Comparison

AlgorithmOutput SizeStatusUse Case
MD5128 bitsBrokenChecksums only (non-security)
SHA-1160 bitsDeprecatedLegacy systems only
SHA-256256 bitsSecureFile integrity, signatures
SHA-384384 bitsSecureHigh security requirements
SHA-512512 bitsSecureMaximum security, 64-bit systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cryptographic hash?

A cryptographic hash is a one-way function that converts data into a fixed-size string of characters. The same input always produces the same output, but you can't reverse the hash to get the original data. This makes hashes ideal for verifying data integrity and storing passwords.

Which hash algorithm should I use?

For security purposes, use SHA-256 or higher. MD5 and SHA-1 are considered broken for security use due to known collision attacks. For passwords, never use raw hashes - use bcrypt, Argon2, or PBKDF2 instead, which include salting and key stretching.

Can I use these hashes for passwords?

No! Raw hashes like SHA-256 should never be used for passwords. Use password-specific algorithms like bcrypt or Argon2 that include salting and are designed to be slow. Fast hashes like SHA-256 can be brute-forced quickly with modern GPUs.

What is a hash collision?

A collision occurs when two different inputs produce the same hash output. MD5 and SHA-1 have known collision vulnerabilities, meaning attackers can craft malicious files with the same hash as legitimate ones. This is why they're deprecated for security use.

What is salting?

Salting adds random data to the input before hashing. This prevents rainbow table attacks where pre-computed hashes are used to crack passwords. Each password should have a unique salt stored alongside the hash.

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