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How to Hash Passwords Securely

Password hashing converts a plaintext password into a fixed-length hash that cannot be reversed. Unlike encryption, hashing is one-way — even the system storing the hash cannot retrieve the original password.

Try bcrypt Generator

What is this use case?

Modern password hashing uses algorithms like bcrypt and Argon2 that are deliberately slow and memory-intensive. Each password gets a unique random salt, so identical passwords produce different hashes. The cost factor controls how many iterations are performed.

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Choose an algorithm

Use bcrypt with cost factor 10-12 for most applications. Use Argon2id for maximum security. Never use MD5 or SHA-256 for passwords.

2

Enter your password

Type the password you want to hash. The tool generates a random salt automatically — you don't need to manage salts manually.

3

Set cost factor

Higher cost = more iterations = slower hashing. Start with cost 10 (1024 rounds) and adjust based on your server's performance.

4

Copy the hash

The generated hash includes the algorithm identifier, cost factor, salt, and hash output in a single string. Store this entire string in your database.

Tips & Best Practices

  • Always use a unique salt per password — bcrypt and Argon2 handle this automatically.
  • Never encrypt passwords. Encryption is reversible by design, which defeats the purpose of password storage.
  • Set cost factor as high as your server can tolerate (target 250-500ms per hash).

Related Tools

bcrypt Generator Hash Generator Password Generator bcrypt vs Argon2

Frequently Asked Questions

Can password hashes be reversed?

No. Hashing is one-way. The only way to recover a password is to guess it, hash the guess, and compare — this is called brute-forcing.

What cost factor should I use for bcrypt?

Cost 10 (1024 rounds) is the recommended minimum. Cost 12 (4096 rounds) provides better security. Test with your production hardware to find the sweet spot.