GLOSSARY

What is SHA-512?

SHA-512 is a 512-bit member of the SHA-2 family, secure and often faster on 64-bit CPUs. Learn when to use it over SHA-256.

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SHA-512 is a cryptographic hash from the SHA-2 family that outputs a 512-bit (128 hex character) digest. Like SHA-256 it has no practical collision attack, but it works in 64-bit words, so it can be faster on modern 64-bit processors.

SHA-512 vs SHA-256

Both are secure SHA-2 hashes; the difference is digest size and internal word size. SHA-512 produces a longer digest and, because it processes 64-bit words, can outperform SHA-256 on 64-bit hardware for large inputs. SHA-256 remains the more common default and is plenty secure.

When to pick it

Use SHA-512 when you specifically want a longer digest or measured better throughput on 64-bit servers. For interoperability and smaller output, SHA-256 is usually the safer default choice.

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FAQ

Is SHA-512 more secure than SHA-256?›
Both are considered secure; SHA-512 has a longer digest but the practical security margin of SHA-256 is already ample.
Is SHA-512 slower?›
On 64-bit CPUs it can actually be faster for large inputs; on 32-bit it is slower. Benchmark for your platform.

Related

SHA-256 vs MD5: what is the difference?MD5 is fast but broken for security; SHA-256 is the modern default. Learn the difference and hash any text free with MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256/512.What is SHA-1?SHA-1 is a 160-bit hash that is now broken for security after practical collisions. Learn where it lingers and hash text free.String to SHA-256Generate the SHA-256 hash of any text instantly. Free online SHA-256 tool, plus when to use it (and when not to).