Generate MD5 hash values for text strings and passwords.
MD5 hashing converts input data into a fixed-length 128-bit hexadecimal string. While MD5 is no longer considered cryptographically secure, it remains useful for checksums, file verification, and non-security applications. Our MD5 Hash Generator provides instant hash generation for text and string inputs.
MD5 (Message Digest Algorithm 5) is a cryptographic hash function that produces a 128-bit hash value (typically represented as a 32-character hexadecimal string). MD5 converts any input of any length into a fixed-size output, making it useful for creating digital fingerprints of data. However, MD5 has known vulnerabilities and is no longer recommended for security-critical applications.
| Algorithm | Output Size | Security | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| MD5 | 128-bit (32 hex) | Broken | Checksums, non-critical apps |
| SHA-1 | 160-bit (40 hex) | Weak | Legacy systems, checksums |
| SHA-256 | 256-bit (64 hex) | Strong | Security, blockchain, crypto |
| SHA-512 | 512-bit (128 hex) | Very Strong | Maximum security needs |
File Verification: Check that downloaded files haven't been corrupted or modified
Password Storage: Legacy systems (not recommended for new applications)
Data Integrity: Verify that data hasn't changed during transmission
Checksums: Create checksums for error detection
Database Indexing: Using hashes for fast lookups and indexing
DO NOT use MD5 for: Password hashing, digital signatures, cryptographic security, sensitive data protection. MD5 has known collision vulnerabilities.
SAFE to use MD5 for: File checksums, non-security data verification, hash tables, caching, legacy system compatibility.
Better Alternatives: Use SHA-256 or bcrypt for password hashing, SHA-256 for security applications, and specialized algorithms for cryptographic needs.
File Checksums: Software providers publish MD5 hashes of downloads for users to verify file integrity
Message Boards: Gravatar uses MD5 hashes of email addresses for user avatars
Legacy Systems: Older systems may still use MD5 for data integrity checks
Database Indexing: Hash the original data for faster database lookups
No, MD5 is vulnerable to brute-force attacks and collision attacks. Always use bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2 for password hashing.
Theoretically no, but rainbow tables and brute-force attacks can find matching inputs. This is why MD5 is insecure for passwords.
Legacy system compatibility, backwards compatibility, and non-security applications where speed matters more than security.