Text to Hash
Hash Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Output Size | Security | Speed | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD5 | 128 bits (32 hex) | Broken | Very Fast | Checksums only |
| SHA-1 | 160 bits (40 hex) | Deprecated | Fast | Legacy systems |
| SHA-256 | 256 bits (64 hex) | Secure | Moderate | General purpose |
| SHA-512 | 512 bits (128 hex) | Very Secure | Slower | High security |
How to Use the Hash Generator
- 1Select which hash algorithms you want to use (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512)
- 2Enter your text in the input area - hashes generate automatically
- 3View the generated hashes for each selected algorithm
- 4Click "Copy" next to any hash to copy it to your clipboard
- 5Use "Copy All" to copy all active hashes in a formatted list
- 6Compare algorithm properties using the built-in comparison table
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hash algorithm should I use?
For security purposes, use SHA-256 or SHA-512. MD5 and SHA-1 are cryptographically broken and should only be used for checksums or legacy compatibility. SHA-256 offers the best balance of security and performance for most applications.
What's the difference between MD5, SHA-1, and SHA-256?
MD5 produces 128-bit hashes but has known vulnerabilities. SHA-1 produces 160-bit hashes but is also deprecated. SHA-256 produces 256-bit hashes and is currently considered secure. SHA-512 offers even higher security with 512-bit hashes but is slower.
Can I use these hashes for passwords?
While you can hash passwords with these algorithms, it's not recommended for production systems. Use specialized password hashing functions like bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2 instead, as they're designed to be slow and resistant to brute-force attacks.
Are hash functions reversible?
No, hash functions are designed to be one-way operations. You cannot "unhash" a hash to get the original text. However, weak passwords can be cracked using rainbow tables or brute force attacks, which is why strong, unique passwords are important.
Why do the same inputs always produce the same hash?
Hash functions are deterministic - the same input will always produce the same hash output. This property makes them useful for data integrity verification, checksums, and password verification. Even tiny changes in input produce completely different hashes.
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