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

Both are secure. SHA-512 produces a longer hash (128 hex chars vs 64) and can be faster on 64-bit systems. Use SHA-256 unless you have a specific reason to need SHA-512.

Is my input sent to a server?

All processing runs in your browser using the built-in SubtleCrypto API.

Is the output length always the same?

Yes. SHA-512 always produces a 512-bit output, displayed as 128 hexadecimal characters. The length is fixed regardless of how short or long the input is.

When should I prefer SHA-512 over SHA-256?

SHA-512 is a good choice for very long-lived signatures, very large data sets where you want extra collision resistance, and on 64-bit servers where it can outperform SHA-256.

SHA-512 Hash Generator

Paste any text to instantly generate its SHA-512 hash. SHA-512 produces a longer 128-character hash and is suitable for high-security applications.

Input

SHA-512 Hash

Hash appears here…

ALGORITHM

SHA-512

DISPLAY

Output length

128 hex characters

Processed locally

How it works

SHA-512 is computed by crypto.subtle.digest('SHA-512') in the browser's Web Crypto API. The output is a 512-bit digest shown as a 128-character hexadecimal string. SHA-512 is roughly twice the length of SHA-256 and offers a wider collision-resistant space, useful for long-lived integrity records and high-security signing workflows.

Processing runs in your browser

All hashing happens inside your browser tab. Our servers are not involved at any point. You can verify this yourselfin your browser's DevTools Network tab.

Technical specification

SHA-512 is specified in FIPS PUB 180-4 (NIST, 2015). SHA-512 produces a 512-bit (64-byte) digest encoded as 128 hexadecimal characters. Both are part of the SHA-2 family and remain approved for all security applications including TLS certificates, code signing, and HMAC construction.

Output size: 512 bits (128 hex characters)
Standard: FIPS PUB 180-4 (NIST)
Browser API: SubtleCrypto.digest()
Security status: Approved, recommended for all uses

Related operations

For encoding the result as Base64 for transport, try Base64. To generate strong random secrets to hash, use the password generator. For random unique identifiers without a hash collision risk, see the UUID generator.

Frequently asked questions

SHA-256 vs SHA-512, which should I use?: Both are secure. SHA-512 produces a longer hash (128 hex chars vs 64) and can be faster on 64-bit systems. Use SHA-256 unless you have a specific reason to need SHA-512.
Is my input sent to a server?: All processing runs in your browser using the built-in SubtleCrypto API.
Is the output length always the same?: Yes. SHA-512 always produces a 512-bit output, displayed as 128 hexadecimal characters. The length is fixed regardless of how short or long the input is.
When should I prefer SHA-512 over SHA-256?: SHA-512 is a good choice for very long-lived signatures, very large data sets where you want extra collision resistance, and on 64-bit servers where it can outperform SHA-256.