Hash generator
Calculate a hash value from text or a file, then copy it to compare content. Choose the same hash type as the value you are comparing against.
What you can do
Calculate from text or a file
Enter text or choose 1 file. Calculations use UTF-8 for text and the original bytes for files.
Choose from 5 algorithms
Supports SHA-256, SHA-384, SHA-512, SHA-1, and MD5. Each calculation uses the 1 algorithm selected.
Copy and compare the value
Copy the calculated hash. Use the same algorithm when comparing it with a value provided by the distributor or another source.
How to use
Choose text or a file
Enter the text as is, or choose 1 file to calculate its hash.
Check the hash algorithm
Choose the algorithm specified by the party whose value you are comparing against. If none is specified, the default is SHA-256.
Calculate and copy the value
Press the button to calculate the hash, then copy the resulting string to compare it.
When to use it
Check the value of a downloaded file
When a distributor provides a hash, calculate the value from your local file using the same algorithm and compare them.
Investigate differences in text data
To check whether the same string is being passed along, get a hash of the input including its whitespace and newlines.
Why values differ despite looking the same
Whitespace and newlines are included in the calculation
Leading and trailing whitespace and the final newline are not removed automatically. Even if data looks similar, the value changes when the underlying data differs.
Text is calculated as UTF-8
When you choose a file, its original bytes are used without reinterpreting them as text. Documents that look the same produce different values if their character encodings differ.
Hashing and encryption serve different purposes
A hash derives a fixed-length value from content. This tool is not a dedicated feature for decrypting the original content or securely storing passwords.
Frequently asked questions
Can I calculate a hash for empty text?
Yes. Calculating the hash with the text field left blank generates a hash for empty data. For file input, choose a file.
Do identical filenames produce identical values?
The calculation uses the content's bytes, not the filename. Changing only the filename produces the same value if the content and algorithm stay the same.
Which algorithm should I use?
Use the algorithm specified by the party whose value you are comparing against. If none is specified, the default is SHA-256. MD5 and SHA-1 are for compatibility checks; do not use them to verify security.
Does a matching value mean the file is safe?
Matching hashes provide a clue for comparison, but this tool does not verify a file's safety or whether its distributor is legitimate. Check the source and algorithm of the hash you are comparing against as well.
Input and results
- Input
- Text, or 1 file of any type.
- Results
- The hash for the 1 selected algorithm. Changing the input or algorithm clears the old result.
- Get result
- You can copy the calculated hash string.