💻 Developer Tools
Hash Generator
Generate SHA-256, SHA-1, SHA-384 and SHA-512 hashes from any text. Hex and Base64 output.
Algorithms
All hashing runs in your browser via the Web Crypto API. No data is sent to a server.
How the Hash Generator works
Type or paste any text and the tool immediately generates its cryptographic hash using the browser's native Web Crypto API (SubtleCrypto). Choose which algorithms to compute — SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, and SHA-512 are all supported. Each result is shown in both hex (hexadecimal string) and Base64 encoding. Hash updates live as you type. Nothing leaves your browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hash function?
A hash function takes any input and produces a fixed-length output (the hash or digest). The same input always produces the same hash, but even a tiny change in input produces a completely different hash. Hashes are one-way — you cannot reverse a hash to get the original input.
What is the difference between SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512?
SHA-1 produces a 160-bit (40 hex char) digest and is now considered insecure for cryptographic use. SHA-256 produces a 256-bit (64 hex char) digest and is the current standard. SHA-512 produces a 512-bit (128 hex char) digest — stronger, but a larger output.
Is SHA-256 safe to use?
Yes — SHA-256 (part of the SHA-2 family) is considered cryptographically secure. It is used by HTTPS, Bitcoin, JWT tokens, and many other security-critical systems.
Can I reverse a SHA-256 hash to get the original text?
No. SHA-256 is a one-way function — it is computationally infeasible to reverse. However, short or common inputs (like passwords) can be found via precomputed rainbow tables. Passwords should be hashed with bcrypt or Argon2, not plain SHA.
What is the difference between hex and Base64 hash output?
Both represent the same hash value encoded differently. Hex uses characters 0-9 and a-f (longer). Base64 uses A-Z, a-z, 0-9, +, / (shorter). Hex is common in CLI tools; Base64 is used in HTTP headers and APIs.
Is this hash generator free?
Yes — the Hash Generator on Potential Daily is completely free. All hashing runs in your browser using the Web Crypto API — no data is sent to any server.