SHA-1 vs SHA-256 Hash – 40 vs 64 Character Digests

Local processing

Distinguish SHA-1 from SHA-256 when the source text matches but digest length and value differ.

5 chars · 1 line

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Hash algorithm comparison

Why do SHA-1 and SHA-256 differ for the same text?

SHA-1 and SHA-256 are different digest algorithms. The same hello bytes produce a 40-character SHA-1 value and a 64-character SHA-256 value in hexadecimal. 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

How to use

  1. Keep the input identical.
  2. Check whether the digest is 40 or 64 hex characters.
  3. Regenerate both sides with the same named algorithm.

SHA-1 and SHA-256 have different digest sizes

SHA-1 outputs 160 bits; SHA-256 outputs 256 bits. A migration changes the digest algorithm, so existing SHA-1 values cannot simply be compared with new SHA-256 values.

SHA-1 vs SHA-256 for hello

Only the algorithm changes.

Text input

hello

Digest comparison

SHA-1: aaf4c61ddcc5e8a2dabede0f3b482cd9aea9434d
SHA-256: 2cf24dba5fb0a30e26e83b2ac5b9e29e1b161e5c1fa7425e73043362938b9824

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Can a SHA-1 digest be converted into SHA-256?

Not into the SHA-256 digest of the original text without the original input. Re-hash the original bytes using SHA-256.

Which output is longer?

SHA-256 uses 64 hex characters; SHA-1 uses 40.

Recommended next steps

40 Character Hash and SHA-1Use digest length as a clue when identifying a 40-character hexadecimal hash.64 Character Hash and SHA-256Check the fixed hexadecimal length of a SHA-256 text digest.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.