This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your content is never uploaded—100% private and secure.
What is SHA256?
SHA256 (Secure Hash Algorithm 256) is a cryptographic hash function that generates a 256-bit (32-byte) hash value. It is widely used for data integrity verification, password hashing, and digital signatures. SHA256 is part of the SHA-2 family and is considered highly secure for most modern applications.
SHA256 Features
- Fixed 256-bit output
- Irreversible one-way function
- High avalanche effect
- Strong collision resistance
Application Scenarios
- File integrity checks
- Digital signatures (with proper schemes)
- Blockchain / Merkle tree hashing
- API request signing / content addressing
Security Notes
SHA256 is intentionally fast. For passwords or secrets, wrap inside a slow KDF (bcrypt, scrypt, Argon2, PBKDF2) with a unique per-password salt and adequate cost. Avoid rolling your own constructions (e.g. manual salting + single SHA256) as they remain GPU/ASIC friendly.
SHA-256 hash generator online free, no upload (FAQs)
FAQs
- Is SHA256 encryption?
- No. SHA256 is a one-way hash. You cannot reverse it to get the original text.
- How to verify a file with SHA256?
- Compute the file's SHA256 locally and compare with the provided checksum from the source.
- Can I store passwords with SHA256?
- Not directly. Use a slow password hashing function (bcrypt, scrypt, Argon2, PBKDF2) with per-user salts and high cost.
- Does this SHA-256 tool upload my data?
- No. Everything runs in your browser only; no servers involved.
- What’s the difference between SHA1 and SHA256?
- SHA1 is 160-bit and has practical collision attacks. SHA256 is part of SHA-2 and is currently collision-resistant.