Online SHA-256 Hash Tool
Online SHA256 encoder: compute the SHA-256 hash digest of any text in your browser instantly. Suited for secure checksums and content fingerprints.
Tool input and output
SHA-256 hash use cases
SHA-256 is part of the SHA-2 family and produces a fixed 64-character hexadecimal digest. It is one of the most widely used secure hash algorithms today, powering HTTPS certificate checks, digital signatures, file integrity checks, blockchain and content addressing.
This tool computes SHA-256 instantly in your browser, and the same text always yields the same result. With no practical collision attacks known, SHA-256 is a solid default for general security checks and content fingerprints.
Which standard defines SHA digests?
SHA-1, SHA-256 and SHA-512 are specified in NIST FIPS 180-4. A digest shows whether a message changed. It is not encryption. SHA-1 is no longer recommended for new security uses.
“This standard specifies hash algorithms that can be used to generate digests of messages. The digests are used to detect whether messages have been changed since the digests were generated.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SHA-256 and MD5?
SHA-256 outputs 64 hex characters (256 bits) with far stronger collision resistance than MD5's 128 bits, and has no known practical collisions. For security-sensitive cases, prefer SHA-256.
Does the digest length change with input length?
No. No matter how long the input is, SHA-256 always outputs a fixed 256-bit (64 hex character) digest. This is a fundamental property of hash algorithms.
Can SHA-256 be used for password storage?
Using it directly is not recommended; you would need salt and added cost. The professional approach is to use purpose-built password hashes such as bcrypt or argon2.