HashKit

Hash Generator (SHA-256)

Type or paste any text — see its SHA-256 hash instantly. Nothing is sent over the network.

Text to hash

SHA-256

Computed locally via the browser's Web Crypto API. Nothing leaves your device.

Hash algorithms, output sizes, and safe uses

A hash maps any input onto a fixed-length digest. Output length is fixed by the algorithm and never varies with input size.

Algorithm	Output	Hex characters	Status
MD5	128 bits	32	Broken - checksums only, never security
SHA-1	160 bits	40	Broken - collisions demonstrated in 2017
SHA-256	256 bits	64	Recommended general-purpose hash
SHA-512	512 bits	128	Recommended, faster on 64-bit hardware

For reference, MD5 of "hello" is 5d41402abc4b2a76b9719d911017c592 and SHA-256 of "hello" is 2cf24dba5fb0a30e26e83b2ac5b9e29e1b161e5c1fa7425e73043362938b9824. None of these are suitable for storing passwords: use bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2, which are deliberately slow.

What hashing is for

SHA-256 produces a 64-character fingerprint that changes completely with any input change. Used for integrity checks, content addressing (Git, IPFS), and digital signatures — NOT for password storage (use bcrypt/Argon2).

Frequently asked questions

I hashed 'hello' and got a 64-character string — is that always the length?

Yes. SHA-256 always produces a 256-bit hash displayed as 64 hexadecimal characters, regardless of whether the input is 1 character or 1 million. That fixed-length output is a fundamental property of the algorithm.

Can I reverse a SHA-256 hash to get the original text?

No. SHA-256 is a one-way function with no mathematical reverse. Attackers use brute-force or rainbow tables to find inputs that match a hash, which is why short or common passwords are vulnerable even when hashed.

Is SHA-256 good enough for storing passwords?

No. SHA-256 is too fast — a modern GPU can compute billions of hashes per second, making brute-force attacks feasible. Use bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2 for password hashing, which are deliberately slow. Use our password strength checker to evaluate your passwords.

How is SHA-256 different from MD5?

MD5 produces a 128-bit (32 hex character) hash and is considered cryptographically broken — collisions can be generated in seconds. SHA-256 produces a 256-bit hash with no known practical collision attacks. Never use MD5 for security purposes.