SHA-512 vs SHA-256 — which should I use?

Follow what your system expects. SHA-512 produces a longer digest and is common where specs call for it; SHA-256 is more widespread for general checksums.

No. This page only uses Web Crypto for SHA-512.

Can I compare SHA-512 with other algorithms?

Use the Hash Generator to compute MD5, SHA-256, and SHA-512 for the same input on one screen.

Are digests case-sensitive?

Output is lowercase hex. Some systems accept uppercase; verify against your target API or tool.

How long is a SHA-512 hex digest?

128 hexadecimal characters representing 512 bits. SHA-256 produces 64 hex characters for the same input with a shorter output size.

SHA-512 Generator

Compute SHA-512 digests for text with the Web Crypto API. Stronger output than SHA-256, still entirely client-side.

Text input

Result

SHA-512 hash

Enter text, then Hash. SHA-512 runs in your browser.

How to generate a SHA-512 hash

Paste the text to hash.
Click Hash, or press Ctrl+Enter (Cmd+Enter on Mac).
Copy the 128-character lowercase hex digest.
Use Hash Generator if you need MD5, SHA-256, and SHA-512 for the same input.

FAQ

: Follow what your system expects. SHA-512 produces a longer digest and is common where specs call for it; SHA-256 is more widespread for general checksums.
: No. This page only uses Web Crypto for SHA-512.
: Use the Hash Generator to compute MD5, SHA-256, and SHA-512 for the same input on one screen.
: Output is lowercase hex. Some systems accept uppercase; verify against your target API or tool.
: 128 hexadecimal characters representing 512 bits. SHA-256 produces 64 hex characters for the same input with a shorter output size.

Result

How to generate a SHA-512 hash

FAQ

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