MD5 vs SHA-1 Hash – 32 vs 40 Character Digests

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Troubleshoot a digest mismatch caused by confusing MD5 with SHA-1.

5 chars · 1 line

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Hash algorithm comparison

What is the difference between MD5 and SHA-1 output?

For the same hello text, MD5 and SHA-1 produce different digest values and different output lengths. VetaTool generates both side by side so the algorithm mismatch is visible immediately. This tool is free to use. No account or payment is required.

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What you can do here

  • MD5 text digests
  • SHA-1 text digests
  • SHA-256 text digests
  • SHA-512 text digests
  • Exact text byte sensitivity
  • Browser-local hashing

Steps

  1. Verify the source text is identical.
  2. Count the digest characters as a quick algorithm clue.
  3. Match the named algorithm before comparing values.

Same text does not make different algorithms comparable

MD5 produces 128 bits while SHA-1 produces 160 bits. Their output values are not interchangeable, even when the source bytes are exactly the same.

Both algorithms are retained for compatibility diagnostics; neither is recommended for new collision-sensitive security decisions.

MD5 vs SHA-1 for hello

The input stays identical while the algorithm changes.

Text input

hello

Digest comparison

MD5: 5d41402abc4b2a76b9719d911017c592
SHA-1: aaf4c61ddcc5e8a2dabede0f3b482cd9aea9434d

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Can MD5 and SHA-1 hashes be compared directly?

Only as different algorithm outputs. A checksum match requires both sides to use the same algorithm and exact input.

Which is longer, MD5 or SHA-1?

SHA-1 is 40 hex characters in this representation; MD5 is 32.

Recommended next steps

32 Character Hash and MD5See why an MD5 digest is commonly shown as 32 hexadecimal characters.40 Character Hash and SHA-1Use digest length as a clue when identifying a 40-character hexadecimal hash.Hash Generator Online – MD5 & SHAGenerate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and SHA-512 digests for exact text locally.

Debugging a specific Hash issue? Browse Hash troubleshooting.