SHA-256 Hash Generator - SHA-256 Encrypt

SHA-256 Hash Generator - Generate SHA-256 Checksums Online

A free online SHA-256 hash generator that creates 256-bit SHA-256 checksums from any text input. The industry-standard cryptographic hash function used in Bitcoin, blockchain, SSL certificates, and secure applications. Perfect for developers needing secure, reliable SHA-256 hashing.

What is SHA-256 hash?

SHA-256 (Secure Hash Algorithm 256-bit) is a cryptographic hash function that produces a 256-bit (32-byte) hash value, displayed as a 64-character hexadecimal number.

Key characteristics:
- Always produces 64 hexadecimal characters
- Cryptographically secure (no known attacks)
- One-way function (cannot reverse)
- Industry standard

Example:
Input: "Hello" → SHA-256: 185f8db32271fe25f561a6fc938b2e264306ec304eda518007d1764826381969

Used in: Bitcoin, blockchain, SSL/TLS, digital signatures, secure applications.

Is SHA-256 secure?

YES! SHA-256 is currently secure and recommended for cryptographic use.

Why SHA-256 is secure:
✓ No known collision attacks
✓ Industry standard since 2001
✓ Used by Bitcoin and blockchain
✓ Approved by NIST
✓ Used in SSL/TLS certificates

Good for:
✓ Digital signatures
✓ SSL certificates
✓ Blockchain (Bitcoin)
✓ Data integrity
✓ Secure checksums

Not for passwords:
✗ Use bcrypt, Argon2, or PBKDF2 instead
(SHA-256 is too fast for password hashing)

SHA-256 is the gold standard for secure hashing.

What is SHA-256 used for?

SHA-256 is the most widely used cryptographic hash function:

✓ Bitcoin & Blockchain:
- Bitcoin mining (Proof of Work)
- Block hashing
- Transaction verification
- Merkle trees

✓ Security:
- SSL/TLS certificates
- Digital signatures
- Code signing
- Secure checksums

✓ Data Integrity:
- File verification
- Download checksums
- Git-LFS
- Data validation

✓ Authentication:
- HMAC-SHA256
- JWT signatures
- API authentication

SHA-256 is the recommended choice for secure applications.

How do I generate a SHA-256 hash?

Enter your text and click 'Generate Hash':

1. Type or paste text in the input field
2. Choose format (lowercase or uppercase)
3. Click 'Generate Hash'
4. Copy the 64-character hash

Example:
Input: "password123"
SHA-256: ef92b778bafe771e89245b89ecbc08a44a4e166c06659911881f383d4473e94f

Generated instantly using Web Crypto API in your browser.

Can I use SHA-256 for passwords?

NO! SHA-256 should NOT be used directly for password hashing.

Why not:
✗ Too fast (billions per second with GPU)
✗ Vulnerable to brute force
✗ No built-in salt
✗ Rainbow tables possible

For passwords, use:
✓ bcrypt (recommended)
✓ Argon2 (best, modern)
✓ PBKDF2-SHA256 (acceptable)
✓ scrypt (good)

These are designed to be slow and include salting.

SHA-256 is great for:
✓ Data integrity
✓ Digital signatures
✓ Blockchain
✗ NOT password storage

Key Features

• Generate SHA-256 hash from any text instantly
• 256-bit (64-character) hash output
• Cryptographically secure hashing
• Web Crypto API implementation
• Lowercase or uppercase hex format
• Copy hash to clipboard
• Download hash as text file
• Dark mode support
• 100% client-side processing
• Works offline
• Mobile-friendly
• No registration required