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Hash Generator

Calculate MD5, SHA-256, SHA-384, or SHA-512 digests for text and files. Processing stays on your device.

MD5 hash

Select a file or enter text to generate a hash.

Generate a checksum for text or files

A cryptographic digest acts as a compact fingerprint of the input bytes. Compare a published checksum with the locally generated result to detect accidental corruption or unexpected file changes.

Choose a compatible hash algorithm

AlgorithmDigestAppropriate use
MD5128 bitsMatching a legacy checksum only; collision resistance is broken
SHA-256256 bitsCommon default for file integrity and content fingerprints
SHA-384384 bitsSystems that explicitly publish or require SHA-384
SHA-512512 bitsSystems that require a longer SHA-2 digest

Verify a downloaded file

  1. Find the checksum and algorithm published by the file provider.
  2. Select the same algorithm here and choose the downloaded file.
  3. Compare every hexadecimal character in the two digests.
  4. Treat a mismatch as evidence that the bytes differ; download again from a trusted source.

A matching checksum confirms that your bytes match the publisher’s reference. It does not prove the publisher or download page is trustworthy if both the file and displayed checksum were replaced.

Hashes are not encryption

Hashing is one-way and provides no method to recover the original input. It also does not hide predictable values from guessing attacks, so passwords require a dedicated slow password-hashing function with a unique salt.

Frequently asked questions

Which hash algorithm should I use?

SHA-256 is a common default for checksums and content fingerprints. SHA-384 and SHA-512 provide longer digests. Use MD5 only when compatibility with an existing checksum requires it, never for security-sensitive uses.

Can a cryptographic hash be reversed?

A secure hash is designed to be one-way, but predictable inputs can still be guessed and compared. Hashing alone is not appropriate password storage.

Why does the same input always produce the same hash?

Hash functions are deterministic. Identical bytes and the same algorithm produce an identical digest, making hashes useful for integrity checks.

Is my file uploaded?

No. The selected file is read and hashed locally in your browser.

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