Which SHA algorithm should I use?

SHA-256 is the best default for most uses — it is secure, widely supported, and fast. Use SHA-512 for extra security in sensitive applications. Avoid SHA-1 for security purposes as it has known collision attacks.

Is SHA-256 used in Bitcoin?

Yes. Bitcoin uses double SHA-256 (SHA-256 applied twice) for mining proof-of-work, transaction hashing, and Merkle tree construction. It is also the basis for many other blockchain protocols.

How is this different from MD5?

SHA-256 is cryptographically stronger than MD5. MD5 produces a 128-bit hash and has known collision vulnerabilities. SHA-256 produces a 256-bit hash with no known practical attacks, making it suitable for security applications.

Can I use SHA-256 for password hashing?

SHA-256 alone is too fast for password hashing (enabling brute-force attacks). Use purpose-built password hashing algorithms like bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2 that include salting and intentional slowness.

Why does SHA-512 produce a longer hash than SHA-256?

SHA-512 uses a 512-bit internal state and produces a 128-character hex output (vs 64 for SHA-256). The longer hash provides a larger collision space, but both are considered secure for current applications.

Is the Web Crypto API secure?

Yes. The Web Crypto API is a W3C standard built into all modern browsers. It provides hardware-accelerated cryptographic operations that are both fast and secure, with implementations audited by browser vendors.

Free tool

SHA hash generator

Generate SHA-256, SHA-512 or SHA-1 hashes from any text. Uses the native Web Crypto API — your data never leaves the browser.

100% free
No sign-up
No limits
Instant results

Input Text

SHA-256 Hash (0 chars)

sha-256

Hash will appear here

What this tool does

SHA-256, SHA-512, SHA-1
Web Crypto API — blazing fast
Full Unicode support
Copy hash with one click
100% browser — no server

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The short version

What is SHA Hash Generator?

SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm) is a family of cryptographic hash functions published by NIST.

SHA-256 produces a 256-bit (64-character hex) hash, SHA-512 produces a 512-bit (128-character hex) hash, and SHA-1 produces a 160-bit (40-character hex) hash. These algorithms are used for data integrity verification, digital signatures, SSL certificates, blockchain, and password hashing. This tool uses your browser's native Web Crypto API (crypto.subtle.digest) for hardware-accelerated hashing that is both fast and secure. SHA-256 is the gold standard for most security applications — it is used in Bitcoin mining, TLS certificates, and code signing. SHA-512 offers even stronger security for sensitive applications. SHA-1, while deprecated for security use, is still used in Git commit hashes and legacy systems.

Step by step

How to use SHA Hash Generator

1
Select your algorithm
Choose SHA-256 (default, most common), SHA-512 (strongest), or SHA-1 (legacy compatibility). The hash regenerates instantly when you switch.
2
Enter your text
Type or paste the text you want to hash. The hash output updates in real time as you modify the input.
3
Copy the hash
Click Copy to grab the hex-encoded hash string. The character count is shown so you can verify the algorithm output length.

What's inside

Everything this tool
does for you

SHA-256, SHA-512, and SHA-1 algorithms
Native Web Crypto API — hardware accelerated
Real-time hashing as you type
Full Unicode and emoji support
Shows hash length for algorithm verification
100% client-side — data never leaves your browser

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Questions

Frequently asked questions

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What is SHA Hash Generator?

How to use SHA Hash Generator

Select your algorithm

Enter your text

Copy the hash

Everything this tooldoes for you

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Frequently asked questions

Which SHA algorithm should I use?

Is SHA-256 used in Bitcoin?

How is this different from MD5?

Can I use SHA-256 for password hashing?

Why does SHA-512 produce a longer hash than SHA-256?

Is the Web Crypto API secure?

This tool fixed one thing.Now fix the whole site.

Everything this tool
does for you

This tool fixed one thing.
Now fix the whole site.