SHA-256 Hash Generator

Compute the SHA-256 digest of any text or file, instantly and privately. Free, fast, and your files never leave your device.

SHA-256
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How to generate a SHA-256 hash

  1. Stay on the Text tab and type or paste content — the SHA-256 updates live.
  2. Or switch to File and drop in a file to hash its exact bytes.
  3. Toggle Uppercase output if you need capitals, then copy the digest.

Why SHA-256 is today's default

SHA-256 is part of the SHA-2 family and produces a 256-bit, 64-character hexadecimal digest. Unlike MD5 and SHA-1, it has no known practical collision attacks, which is why it has become the standard hash for anything where security matters: TLS certificates, code signing, software release checksums, blockchain and cryptocurrency addresses, JWT signatures, and password hashing schemes built on top of it. When a project publishes a checksum next to a download today, it is almost always SHA-256, and verifying that the digest of your downloaded file matches the published one proves the file arrived intact and untampered. It is strong enough for these jobs while remaining fast on ordinary hardware, so there is rarely a reason to reach for anything weaker. This tool computes SHA-256 with the browser's native, audited Web Crypto API entirely on your device, so your text and files never leave your device, with no upload, watermark, or signup.

Other algorithms and comparisons

Need an even larger digest, for example for long-term archival integrity? Use SHA-512. Verifying against an old checksum published with a weaker algorithm? See SHA-1 or MD5, but do not rely on those for security. To compute all four at once, use the full hash generator.

FAQ

Is SHA-256 secure?

Yes. SHA-256 has no known practical collision or preimage attacks and is the current recommended standard for integrity and signature use across the industry.

What is the SHA-256 of the word "abc"?

It is ba7816bf8f01cfea414140de5dae2223b00361a396177a9cb410ff61f20015ad. You can confirm it by typing abc in the text box above.

How is SHA-256 different from SHA-1 and MD5?

SHA-256 produces a longer 256-bit digest and, crucially, has no practical collision attack, whereas both SHA-1 and MD5 are broken for security. Prefer SHA-256 whenever an attacker might try to forge a match.

Is my text or file uploaded?

No. All hashing happens locally in your browser using the Web Crypto API. Nothing is sent to any server.