SHA-256 Hash — Generate SHA-256 Hashes from Text
Generate SHA-256 hashes from text input. 64-character hex digest, runs in your browser — no upload.
SHA256 Hash Generator
Generate SHA-256 hashes from text. Works entirely in your browser using Web Crypto API.
SHA-256 is the workhorse of modern cryptography. Every HTTPS connection, every blockchain transaction, every digital signature, and every software package you download is verified with SHA-256. It produces a 256-bit digest — a 64-character hex string — that is unique to the input data with astronomically high probability. The tool computes SHA-256 in your browser, which means text you paste and files you drop are hashed locally without any network round-trip. This is useful for verifying downloaded files, comparing two pieces of text for equality without revealing them, and generating cache keys or content-addressed identifiers.
How to use
Enter your text
Type or paste the text. The hash updates in real-time. File hashing is supported: drop a file and the browser reads its bytes directly, without uploading.
Copy the SHA-256 digest
The 64-character hex digest appears immediately. Toggle between lowercase and uppercase output.
Verify file integrity
Drop a file and compare the resulting hash against a known SHA-256 digest to verify the file has not been corrupted in transit.
Frequently asked
Is SHA-256 still secure in 2026?
Yes. SHA-256 remains cryptographically secure for all standard applications: digital signatures, certificate chains, blockchain, and file integrity. No practical collision or preimage attack exists against SHA-256 as of 2026. SHA-1 is broken and should not be used.
Can it hash a file without uploading?
Yes. The tool reads the file's bytes directly in the browser using the FileReader API and computes the hash locally. No data leaves your device.
What's the difference between SHA-256 and SHA-512?
SHA-256 produces a 256-bit (32-byte) digest. SHA-512 produces a 512-bit (64-byte) digest. SHA-256 is the standard for most applications. SHA-512 is used where the larger output size is required by a protocol or where hardware acceleration for 64-bit operations is available.
Can I hash a password with SHA-256?
No. SHA-256 is a fast hash, which makes it unsuitable for password hashing — an attacker can try billions of guesses per second. Use bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2id for passwords.
Limitations
- Not for password hashingSHA-256 is too fast for password storage. Use bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2id.
- No keyed hashing (HMAC)The tool computes the raw SHA-256 digest. HMAC-SHA256, which requires a secret key, is a separate cryptographic primitive.
Platform notes
- macOS
- The Terminal equivalent is `shasum -a 256 filename`. The browser tool adds real-time hashing and file-drop convenience.
- Linux
- The CLI equivalent is `sha256sum filename`. The browser tool reads files without a terminal.
- Web
- Runs entirely client-side. Files are hashed locally.