SHA-256 Hash Calculator
Generate a SHA-256 checksum for any file, straight in your browser.
[1] SELECT FILE(S) TO HASH
Select one or multiple files to hash from your system, or drag and drop files below
[2] CHOOSE YOUR HASH FUNCTION
[3] LAUNCH THE HASHING PROCESS
What is SHA-256?
SHA-256 belongs to the SHA-2 family published by NIST in 2001. It reduces a file of any size to a 256-bit value, written as 64 hexadecimal characters. It is the algorithm most software projects mean when they publish “the checksum” for a release.
OUTPUT: 256-bit — 64 hexadecimal characters
STATUS: Recommended — no known practical attacks
Is SHA-256 secure?
SHA-256 has no known practical collision or preimage attacks. It underpins TLS certificates, Bitcoin, code signing and every major package manager. If you are unsure which algorithm to pick, pick this one.
When to use SHA-256
- ›Verifying a download really is the file the publisher released
- ›Software releases, container images and package integrity
- ›Evidence handling and audit trails where the result must hold up
- ›Anything replacing a legacy MD5 or SHA-1 workflow
On 64-bit machines SHA-512 is often slightly faster for large files, with the same security posture.
How to verify a file with SHA-256
- Select the file above. SHA-256 is already chosen for you.
- Press [CALCULATE HASH] and wait for the digest.
- Compare it against the 64-character checksum published by whoever gave you the file.
- Every character must match. A single difference means the file is not the one that was published.
Hashing several files at once works too — select them all and export the results as CSV or as a PDF verification report for an audit trail.
SHA-256 FAQ
How long is a SHA-256 hash?
A SHA-256 hash is 256 bits, displayed as 64 hexadecimal characters. Every input, from an empty file to a 50 GB archive, produces exactly 64 characters.
Is SHA-256 secure in 2026?
Yes. There are no known practical collision or preimage attacks against SHA-256, and it remains the default recommendation for file integrity, certificates and code signing.
What is the difference between SHA-256 and SHA-2?
SHA-2 is the family; SHA-256 is one member of it, alongside SHA-224, SHA-384 and SHA-512. When a project says “SHA-2” it usually means SHA-256.
Does this SHA-256 calculator upload my file?
No. Hashing happens entirely in your browser via the Web Crypto API. Nothing is transmitted, so confidential files are safe to check here.