SHA-256
Hash Generator
Hash text or files instantly, right in your browser. Get hex or base64 output, copy with one click — your data never leaves your device.
Drop a file here or browse to compute its checksum
What is a SHA-256 hash?
SHA-256 (Secure Hash Algorithm 256) is a cryptographic function that turns any input into a fixed 64-character hexadecimal fingerprint (256 bits). It belongs to the SHA-2 family, published by the US National Security Agency and used worldwide.
Hashing is one-way: given a hash, there is no practical way to recover the original input. Change a single character in the input and the entire hash changes — the “avalanche effect”. That is why hashes are used to verify integrity without revealing the data.
What is SHA-256 used for?
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1
File integrity
Compare the hash of a downloaded file with the official checksum to verify it is authentic and unmodified.
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2
Password storage
Store hashed passwords instead of plain text; add a salt to defend against rainbow tables.
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3
Blockchain
Bitcoin and many other networks use SHA-256 to link blocks and secure transactions.
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4
Digital signatures
Hash a document, then sign the hash — cheaper and faster than signing the full content.
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5
Data deduplication
Use hashes as content fingerprints to detect duplicate or corrupted data.