🔒

SHA Hash Calculator

Generate SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 hashes for secure data verification

SHA Hash Generator

Enter any text to generate its SHA hash values
SHA-256: Most commonly used, good balance of security and performance

File Hash Calculator

Select a file to calculate its SHA hash (processed locally, max 50MB)

Hash Results

🔒
Enter text or upload file to generate SHA hash
Hash results will appear here

Hash Verification

Enter the hash you want to verify against

SHA Hash Examples

hello world
→
b94d27b9934d3e08a52e52d7da7dabfac484efe37a5380ee9088f7ace2efcde9
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog
→
d7a8fbb307d7809469ca9abcb0082e4f8d5651e46d3cdb762d02d0bf37c9e592
Click any example to test it

Understanding SHA Hashing

What is SHA?

SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm) is a family of cryptographic hash functions designed by the NSA. SHA algorithms are widely used for data integrity verification and digital signatures.

SHA Algorithm Comparison

  • SHA-1: 160-bit (40 hex chars) - Deprecated, vulnerable
  • SHA-224: 224-bit (56 hex chars) - Good security
  • SHA-256: 256-bit (64 hex chars) - Most popular
  • SHA-384: 384-bit (96 hex chars) - High security
  • SHA-512: 512-bit (128 hex chars) - Maximum security

Common Use Cases

  • File Integrity: Verify downloads haven't been corrupted
  • Password Storage: Store password hashes securely
  • Digital Signatures: Cryptographic authentication
  • Blockchain: Bitcoin and cryptocurrency mining
  • Certificates: SSL/TLS certificate validation

Security Features

  • Collision Resistant: Hard to find two inputs with same hash
  • Preimage Resistant: Hard to reverse the hash function
  • Avalanche Effect: Small input changes create large output changes
  • Deterministic: Same input always produces same hash

Algorithm Recommendations

  • General Use: SHA-256 (best balance)
  • High Security: SHA-512 (maximum strength)
  • Legacy Systems: SHA-1 (avoid if possible)
  • Constrained Environments: SHA-224/384

Performance Characteristics

  • SHA-1: Fastest, least secure
  • SHA-256: Good speed, excellent security
  • SHA-512: Slower, maximum security
  • Hardware Acceleration: Available for SHA-256

File Verification

  • Download Verification: Compare with published hash
  • Backup Integrity: Verify backup file completeness
  • Transfer Verification: Ensure successful file transfers
  • Version Control: Track file changes over time

Security Considerations

  • SHA-1 Deprecation: No longer considered secure
  • Length Extension: Some variants vulnerable
  • Quantum Resistance: SHA-3 designed for post-quantum era
  • Salt for Passwords: Always use salt with password hashing