SHA-256 Hash Generator

How to use SHA-256 Hash Generator

1. 1Type or paste text — SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384 and SHA-512 update as you type.
2. 2Or choose Hash a file to compute a checksum of a download, ISO or document locally.
3. 3Paste the publisher's checksum into Compare to confirm which algorithm matches.
4. 4Copy any hash in lowercase or uppercase hex.

What you can do

• Four SHA algorithms at once

  SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384 and SHA-512 from the browser's Web Crypto API.

• File checksums without upload

  Files up to 500 MB are read and hashed on your device.

• Checksum comparison

  Paste an expected value and see instantly whether it matches, ignoring case.

• Exact UTF-8 input

  Text is hashed exactly as typed, including trailing spaces and line breaks.

When this tool helps

About SHA-256 Hash Generator

A cryptographic hash turns any input into a fixed-length fingerprint: SHA-256 always produces 64 hexadecimal characters. Changing a single byte produces a completely different hash, which is why publishers list checksums next to downloads. This generator hashes text as UTF-8 bytes — line endings matter, so a value copied from Windows (CRLF) can differ from the same text on macOS (LF). SHA-1 is included only for legacy checksums; collisions have been demonstrated, so do not rely on it for security. MD5 is not offered because browsers do not support it in Web Crypto and it is broken for security use. A plain hash is not a safe way to store passwords; systems should use a slow password hash such as Argon2, bcrypt or PBKDF2. To hide content rather than fingerprint it, use the text encryption tool. For encoding binary as text, use the Base64 encoder and decoder.

Hash text as you type or verify a download by hashing the file in your browser and pasting the publisher's checksum to compare. Uses the browser Web Crypto API for SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384 and SHA-512. Files up to 500 MB stay on your device.

ToolsWebPro provides this tool free with no account required. Each tool explains its supported formats, processing limits and privacy behavior.

Frequently asked questions

How do I verify a file's SHA-256 checksum?

Choose Hash a file, select the downloaded file, then paste the checksum from the publisher's site into Compare. A green Match confirms the file is identical to what the publisher hashed.

Is my file uploaded to calculate the hash?

No. The file is read and hashed inside your browser with the Web Crypto API. It is never sent to a server.

Why is my SHA-256 different from another tool's?

The input bytes differ. Common causes are a trailing newline, Windows CRLF versus LF line endings, or a different text encoding. Hashes are only equal when the bytes are exactly equal.

Can a SHA-256 hash be reversed?

No. Hashes are one-way. Short or common inputs can be guessed by trying candidates, which is why passwords should be stored with a slow, salted password hash rather than plain SHA-256.

Why is MD5 not included?

Browsers do not provide MD5 in the Web Crypto API, and MD5 is broken for security purposes. Use SHA-256 where you can choose.

Related Security Tools

More free tools on ToolsWebPro — including companions that pair well with SHA-256 Hash Generator.

• Text Encryption ToolEncrypt a message or note with a password using AES-256-GCM, then decrypt it later. Runs in your browser — text and password are never uploaded.
• HMAC GeneratorGenerate an HMAC-SHA256 or HMAC-SHA512 signature from a message and secret key, or verify a webhook signature. Hex and Base64 output. Runs in your browser.
• Base64 Encoder & DecoderEncode text to Base64 or decode Base64 back to readable text. Handles UTF-8, emoji and URL-safe Base64URL. Converts as you type, nothing uploaded.
• Password Security ToolGenerate cryptographically secure passwords and check hack vulnerability, entropy, and estimated crack time — 100% in your browser.