SHA-256 Hash

Compute a SHA-256 hash of any text using the browser Web Crypto API, with output in hex, Base64, or Base64URL.

For this tool, processing runs locally in your browser and data is not sent to the server.

SHA-256 Hash is a free online tool that computes a cryptographic SHA-256 hash from any text using the browser Web Crypto API. Output is available in hex, Base64, or Base64URL, and can be compared against an expected value. The tool runs entirely in your browser and does not send data to the server.

What it does

Output

Processing

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How to use

Paste a string, text, payload, or test value into the input field.
Choose the output format: Hex, Base64, or Base64URL.
Get the SHA-256 hash and optionally compare it against an expected value.
Copy the result for checksums, tests, logs, API debugging, or documentation.

More about this tool

SHA-256 Hash computes a cryptographic hash of a string or text. The service uses the Web Crypto API in the browser and encodes the input text as UTF-8. The result can be output as Hex, Base64, or Base64URL, and can be compared against an expected hash value.

The tool is useful for checksums, payload verification, test data, logs, API debugging, and documentation. SHA-256 is a one-way hash function — the hash cannot be reversed to recover the original text.

All processing is done locally in the browser. Your data is not sent to the server.

Runs in the browser
Data is not sent to the server
Computes SHA-256 via the Web Crypto API
Supports Hex, Base64, and Base64URL output
Can compare against an expected hash
Shows input size and output format
Useful for checksums, payloads, tests, and API debugging
No registration required

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SHA-256?

SHA-256 is a cryptographic hash function that transforms input data into a fixed-length hash. Even a small change to the input produces a completely different hash.

Can SHA-256 be reversed?

No. SHA-256 is a one-way hash function, not encryption. The original text cannot be recovered from the hash.

What is the difference between Hex and Base64?

Hex represents each byte as two hexadecimal characters, producing a 64-character string for SHA-256. Base64 is shorter and often used in APIs and tokens.

Can I verify whether a hash matches?

Yes. Enable hash comparison, paste an expected value, and the tool will show whether it matches the computed SHA-256.

Is SHA-256 suitable for storing passwords?

Plain SHA-256 is not recommended for password storage. Use purpose-built algorithms with salt and work factors such as Argon2, bcrypt, or scrypt.

How is SHA-256 different from HMAC-SHA256?

SHA-256 computes a plain hash from data. HMAC-SHA256 uses a secret key and is used for signing API requests and verifying message authenticity.

Can I compute the SHA-256 hash of a file?

This tool is designed for text. For files, a separate file checksum tool where you can select a file and compute its hash locally in the browser is more appropriate.

Is my data sent to the server?

No. Text is processed locally in the browser and is not sent to the server.

Do I need to register?

No. The tool works immediately without registration.

More about this tool

All processing is done locally in the browser. Your data is not sent to the server.

Runs in the browser
Data is not sent to the server
Computes SHA-256 via the Web Crypto API
Supports Hex, Base64, and Base64URL output
Can compare against an expected hash
Shows input size and output format
Useful for checksums, payloads, tests, and API debugging
No registration required

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SHA-256?

SHA-256 is a cryptographic hash function that transforms input data into a fixed-length hash. Even a small change to the input produces a completely different hash.

Can SHA-256 be reversed?

No. SHA-256 is a one-way hash function, not encryption. The original text cannot be recovered from the hash.

What is the difference between Hex and Base64?

Hex represents each byte as two hexadecimal characters, producing a 64-character string for SHA-256. Base64 is shorter and often used in APIs and tokens.

Can I verify whether a hash matches?

Yes. Enable hash comparison, paste an expected value, and the tool will show whether it matches the computed SHA-256.

Is SHA-256 suitable for storing passwords?

Plain SHA-256 is not recommended for password storage. Use purpose-built algorithms with salt and work factors such as Argon2, bcrypt, or scrypt.

How is SHA-256 different from HMAC-SHA256?

SHA-256 computes a plain hash from data. HMAC-SHA256 uses a secret key and is used for signing API requests and verifying message authenticity.

Can I compute the SHA-256 hash of a file?

This tool is designed for text. For files, a separate file checksum tool where you can select a file and compute its hash locally in the browser is more appropriate.

Is my data sent to the server?

No. Text is processed locally in the browser and is not sent to the server.

Do I need to register?

No. The tool works immediately without registration.