SHA-256 Visualizer

An animated, step-by-step visualizer for SHA-256.

Try it: hashexplained.com

A tool that lets you watch SHA-256 execute in real-time. Every phase is animated:

• Padding
• Message schedule
• 64 compression rounds
• Final hash

Most SHA-256 resources are either dense specs or vague overviews. This tool lets you actually see the bits move:

• ROTR/SHR: Rotations that visually wrap around
• ⊕: XOR operations combining values bit by bit
• Σ/σ, Ch, Maj: State updates showing what changes each round vs. what just shifts
• w[t], k[t]: Message schedule words and round constants highlighted as they are used

Limitations: Currently supports messages up to 55 characters (single block) and SHA-256 only. Multi-block hashing and other algorithms (SHA-1, SHA-512, RIPEMD-160, etc.) can be added if there's interest.

Reference: NIST FIPS 180-4: Secure Hash Standard

Run Locally

npm install
npm start

MIT License