Question 1

What is a hash function?

Accepted Answer

A hash function is a mathematical algorithm that converts input data of any size into a fixed-size output (hash value). It is deterministic and one-way - you cannot reverse a hash to get the original input.

Question 2

Which hash algorithm should I use?

Accepted Answer

For security purposes, use SHA-256 or SHA-512. MD5 and SHA-1 are considered insecure for cryptographic use but can be used for checksums. BLAKE2 offers excellent performance with strong security.

Question 3

What is the difference between MD5 and SHA-256?

Accepted Answer

MD5 produces a 128-bit hash and is faster but cryptographically broken. SHA-256 produces a 256-bit hash and is currently secure for cryptographic purposes. Use SHA-256 for security-sensitive applications.

Question 4

Can I decrypt a hash value?

Accepted Answer

No, hash functions are one-way functions by design. You cannot reverse a hash to recover the original input. This property makes hashes useful for password storage and data integrity verification.

Hash Calculator

📖 How to Use Hash Calculator

Hash Calculator FAQ