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RIPEMD-256 Hash Code Calculator

Published: February 10, 2025 at 4:47:24 PM UTC

Hash code calculator that uses the RACE Integrity Primitives Evaluation Message Digest 256 bit (RIPEMD-256) hash function to calculate a hash code based on text input or file upload.

RIPEMD-256 is a cryptographic hash function that takes an input (or message) and produces a fixed-size, 256-bit (32-byte) output, commonly represented as a 64-character hexadecimal number.

RIPEMD (RACE Integrity Primitives Evaluation Message Digest) is a family of cryptographic hash functions designed to provide data integrity through hashing. It was developed in the mid-1990s as part of the EU’s RACE (Research and Development in Advanced Communications Technologies in Europe) project.

RIPEMD is still considered secure, except for the 128 bit version, which faces the same concerns as MD4 and MD5.

Full disclosure: I did not write the specific implementation of the hash function used on this page. It is a standard function included with the PHP programming language. I only made the web interface to make it publicly available here for convenience.


Calculate New Hash Code

Data submitted or files uploaded through this form will only be kept on the server for as long as it takes to generate the requested hash code. It will be deleted immediately before the result is returned to your browser.

Input data:



Submitted text is UTF-8 encoded. Since hash functions operate on binary data, the result will be different than if the text was in another encoding. If you need to calculate a hash of a text in a specific encoding, you should upload a file instead.



About the RIPEMD-256 Hash Algorithm

I'm neither a mathematician nor a cryptographer, but I'll try to explain how this hash function works in a way that non-mathematicians can understand. If you prefer the scientifically exact full-on mathematical explanation instead, I'm sure you can find that on plenty of other websites ;-)

RIPEMD uses a Merkle-Damgård construction, which is something it has in common with the SHA-2 family of hash algorithms. I have described those as working similar to a blender on other pages, and the same holds true for RIPEMD:

Step 1 - Preparation (Padding the Data)

  • First, RIPEMD makes sure the "ingredients" fit perfectly in the blender. If not, it adds some extra "filler" to round it out (this is like padding the data).

Step 2 - Starting the Blender (Initialization)

  • The blender starts with a specific setting - like speed, power, and blade position. These are special starting values called initialization vectors.

Step 3 - Mixing Process (Crunching the Data)

  • Here's the cool part: RIPEMD doesn't just have one set of blades. It has two blenders working side-by-side (left and right).
  • Each blender processes the ingredients differently. One chops while the other grinds, using different speeds, directions, and blade patterns.
  • They mix, swap, and twist the data 80 times (like blending in cycles to make sure everything is perfectly mixed).

Step 4 - Final Blend (Combining Results)

  • After all that mixing, RIPEMD combines the results from both blenders into one final, smooth hash.

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Mikkel Bang Christensen

About the Author

Mikkel Bang Christensen
Mikkel is the creator and owner of miklix.com. He has over 20 years experience as a professional computer programmer/software developer and is currently employed full-time for a large European IT corporation. When not blogging, he spends his spare time on a vast array of interests, hobbies, and activities, which may to some extent be reflected in the variety of topics covered on this website.