SHA-256 Generator
Compute a SHA-256 hash of any text.
About SHA-256 Generator
The SHA-256 Generator computes the SHA-256 hash of any text, live, using your browser's built-in Web Crypto implementation. SHA-256 is the workhorse of modern integrity checking — it is what you meet in API signatures, webhook verification, checksums, content addressing and certificate chains.
For testers, the common cases are verifying a documented example signature, generating expected hashes for test assertions, and comparing content fingerprints between environments. Everything is computed locally; your input is never sent anywhere.
How to use
- Type or paste your text into the input box.
- The 64-character hexadecimal SHA-256 digest appears as you type.
- Copy the digest into your test assertion or compare it with the value your system produced.
Frequently asked questions
How is SHA-256 different from MD5?
SHA-256 produces a longer digest (256 bits vs. 128) and is cryptographically secure — no practical collisions are known. When a system lets you choose, choose SHA-256.
Can I hash a whole file here?
This tool hashes text you paste. For files, use your platform's CLI (shasum -a 256 or CertUtil -hashfile) and compare the result with text-based hashes generated here.
Why do I get a different hash than expected for the "same" input?
Check for trailing whitespace, line-ending differences (CRLF vs. LF) and encoding. SHA-256 is deliberately sensitive: a single different byte produces a completely different digest.