Logo

Hash Generator

Input

Why Use Utiliti's Hash Generator?

Hash functions are commonly used with sensitive data—passwords, API keys, file integrity checks, and security tokens. Many online hash generators send your data to their servers, potentially exposing your sensitive information.

Utiliti's Hash Generator runs entirely in your browser using the Web Crypto API. Your data never leaves your device, making it safe to hash:

  • Passwords: Generate hashes for password verification without exposure
  • API Keys: Create hashed versions of sensitive credentials
  • File Checksums: Verify file integrity privately
  • Security Tokens: Hash tokens and secrets safely

Features

  • Multiple Algorithms: Choose from SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, or SHA-512
  • Instant Results: Hashes are generated immediately as you type
  • Hexadecimal Output: Standard hex-encoded output compatible with most systems
  • File Support: Upload files to generate their hash values

How to Use

  1. Select algorithm: Choose your preferred hash algorithm from the dropdown (SHA-512 recommended for security)
  2. Enter your data: Type or paste the text you want to hash
  3. Or upload a file: Use the file picker to hash file contents
  4. Copy the result: Click the copy button to grab your hash value

What is a hash?

In the context of computer science and cryptography, a hash refers to the result of applying a hash function to a piece of data, such as a file or a message. A hash function takes input data and produces a fixed-size string of characters, which is typically a hexadecimal or binary representation.

Key characteristics of hash functions include:

  1. Deterministic: The same input will always produce the same hash value.
  2. Fixed Size: The output (hash value) has a fixed size, regardless of the size of the input.
  3. Efficient: It should be computationally efficient to compute the hash value for any given input.
  4. Irreversibility: It should be computationally infeasible to reverse the process and obtain the original input from its hash value.

Common hash functions include MD5 (Message Digest Algorithm 5), SHA-1 (Secure Hash Algorithm 1), SHA-256, and SHA-3. MD5 and SHA-1 are older and considered insecure for cryptographic purposes due to vulnerabilities that have been discovered. SHA-256 and SHA-3 are currently considered more secure.

Hash functions have various applications in computer science and security, including:

  • Data Integrity: Hashes are used to verify the integrity of data. If the hash of the original data matches the hash of the received or stored data, it indicates that the data has not been altered.
  • Digital Signatures: Hash functions are a crucial component of digital signatures. A digital signature is created by encrypting the hash value with a private key, and others can verify the signature using the corresponding public key.
  • Password Storage: Hash functions are used to store passwords securely. Instead of storing the actual passwords, systems store the hash values. When a user attempts to log in, the system hashes the entered password and compares it to the stored hash.
  • Cryptographic Applications: Hash functions play a role in various cryptographic protocols and algorithms.

Hashing is a fundamental concept in computer science and is widely used in various applications to ensure data integrity, security, and efficiency.

Which Algorithm Should I Use?

  • SHA-512: Recommended for most security applications. Produces a 128-character hex string with the highest security margin.
  • SHA-256: Widely used and secure. Good balance of security and compatibility. Used by Bitcoin and many other systems.
  • SHA-384: Truncated version of SHA-512. Sometimes used when a shorter hash than SHA-512 is needed but more security than SHA-256.
  • SHA-1: Deprecated for security purposes due to known vulnerabilities. Only use for legacy compatibility or non-security checksums.

Common Use Cases

  • Data Integrity: Verify that files haven't been modified during transfer
  • Password Storage: Store password hashes instead of plaintext (though use bcrypt/Argon2 for production)
  • Digital Signatures: Hash documents before signing to ensure integrity
  • Caching Keys: Generate unique cache keys from content
  • Deduplication: Identify duplicate files by comparing their hashes

Popular Utilities