Hash Generator Online Free — MD5, SHA-256, SHA-512 Checksum Tool
Generate cryptographic hashes from text or files in your browser. Supports MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512. Verify file checksums with the built-in comparison tool. No upload — 100% client-side.
How It Works
- 1Choose input type — Select "Text input" to hash typed or pasted text, or "File hash" to hash any file (documents, executables, archives).
- 2Select algorithms — Check one or more algorithms (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, SHA-512). Text hashes update automatically as you type.
- 3View & copy results — Results appear in a table. Toggle between lowercase and uppercase hex output. Copy individual hashes or all at once.
- 4Verify a checksum — Paste an expected hash in the Verify section, select the matching algorithm, and click Verify to confirm the match.
Hash Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Output length | Security | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| MD5 | 32 hex chars | Broken | Non-security checksums |
| SHA-1 | 40 hex chars | Weak | Legacy compatibility |
| SHA-256 | 64 hex chars | Strong | File integrity, certificates |
| SHA-384 | 96 hex chars | Strong | TLS, code signing |
| SHA-512 | 128 hex chars | Very strong | High-security applications |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hash function?
A hash function takes any input (text or file) and produces a fixed-length string of characters called a hash or digest. The same input always produces the same hash, and even a tiny change in input produces a completely different hash. Hash functions are one-way — you cannot reverse a hash back to the original data.
What is the difference between MD5, SHA-1, and SHA-256?
MD5 produces a 128-bit (32 hex characters) hash and is fast but cryptographically broken — do not use for security. SHA-1 produces 160 bits (40 hex chars) and is also considered weak for security uses. SHA-256 (32 bytes, 64 hex chars) and SHA-512 (64 bytes, 128 hex chars) are part of the SHA-2 family and are currently considered secure for cryptographic purposes.
How do I verify a file checksum?
Switch to the "File hash" tab, drop or select your downloaded file, choose the algorithm matching the checksum provided by the source (often SHA-256), compute the hash, then paste the expected checksum in the "Verify checksum" section and click Verify. If they match, the file is intact and unmodified.
Is MD5 safe to use?
MD5 is not safe for security-sensitive uses such as password hashing or digital signatures because collisions (two different inputs with the same hash) can be generated. However, MD5 is still useful for non-security purposes like checking file integrity against accidental corruption, or as a quick checksum when security is not a concern.
Does this tool send my data to a server?
No. All hashing is performed entirely in your browser using the Web Crypto API (for SHA algorithms) and the spark-md5 library (for MD5). Your text and files never leave your device. The tool works fully offline once the page is loaded.
What is a salt and should I use it with this tool?
A salt is random data added to input before hashing to prevent rainbow table attacks. This tool generates standard unsalted hashes. For password storage, always use a dedicated password hashing function (bcrypt, Argon2, scrypt) — not MD5 or SHA with or without a salt.