How to generate a hash
- Choose Text and type, or choose File and pick any file.
- MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384 and SHA-512 appear together.
- Copy the one you need, or paste an expected value into Compare with to verify it.
Hash algorithms compared
| Algorithm | Length | Safe for security? | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| MD5 | 128 bits (32 hex) | No | Legacy checksums, cache keys |
| SHA-1 | 160 bits (40 hex) | No | Git object IDs, older systems |
| SHA-256 | 256 bits (64 hex) | Yes | Download checksums, signatures, blockchains |
| SHA-384 | 384 bits (96 hex) | Yes | TLS certificates, subresource integrity |
| SHA-512 | 512 bits (128 hex) | Yes | High-security applications |
What a hash tells you
A hash is a fixed-length fingerprint of data. Change a single byte and the hash changes completely, so matching hashes mean identical data. You can't turn a hash back into the original, which is why software publishers list checksums: you can confirm a download without them sending the file twice.
Common uses
- Checking an installer before running it. Software sites often publish a SHA-256 checksum beside each download. Pick the file, paste their value into Compare with, and run it only if it matches.
- Confirming two files are identical. Hash both copies of a backup, export or upload and compare the results. Identical hashes mean identical files, whatever their names or dates.
- Matching a hash in an older system. An older database or API expects the MD5 or SHA-1 of a string, for example as a cache key. Type the text and copy the hash it needs.