Argon2 Password Hash Format Explorer
Understand the Argon2 PHC string format, parameter meanings (time cost, memory cost, parallelism), and how Argon2 compares to bcrypt, scrypt, and PBKDF2. Educational tool with simulated hash output.
Argon2 Password Hash Format Explorer
Understand the Argon2 PHC string format, parameter meanings, and how Argon2 compares to bcrypt, scrypt, and PBKDF2. Educational tool with simulated hash output.
Why Argon2id is Recommended
Argon2id won the Password Hashing Competition (PHC) in 2015 and is the current OWASP recommendation. Unlike bcrypt (limited to 72 bytes, 1999-era design) and PBKDF2 (not memory-hard), Argon2id is memory-hard, time-adjustable, and parallelism-configurable — making it exponentially more expensive for attackers using GPUs or ASICs.
Hash Parameters
Hybrid variant combining data-independent (argon2i) and data-dependent (argon2d) memory access patterns. Resistant to both side-channel and GPU attacks. Recommended by OWASP and RFC 9106.
Iterations
Memory KiB
Threads
t (time cost): Number of iterations. Higher = slower for attacker AND user.
m (memory cost): Memory in KiB. 64 MB required per hash attempt. Stops GPU parallelism.
p (parallelism): Number of parallel lanes. Should match server CPU threads.
★ = OWASP recommended minimum for user authentication
Configure parameters and click Generate to see the Argon2 PHC string format.
Algorithm Comparison: Argon2 vs bcrypt vs scrypt vs PBKDF2
| Algorithm | Memory-Hard | GPU-Resistant | Side-Channel Safe | Year | Use Today? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argon2id★ Best | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 2015 | Yes |
| bcrypt | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | 1999 | Legacy |
| scrypt | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | 2009 | Legacy |
| PBKDF2 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | 2000 | Legacy |
| MD5 (never) | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ | 1992 | Never |
Real Implementation Note
This tool demonstrates the PHC string format for educational purposes. The hashes shown are deterministic simulations — not cryptographically secure outputs.
For production use: server-side — use the argon2 npm package (Node.js) or language-native bindings. Client-side — use argon2-browser which wraps the reference C implementation via WebAssembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the hashes cryptographically secure?
No — the hashes shown are deterministic simulations for educational purposes. For real password hashing use the argon2 npm package server-side or argon2-browser client-side (WebAssembly).
Why is Argon2id recommended over bcrypt?
Argon2id is memory-hard, GPU-resistant, and configurable — making brute-force attacks orders of magnitude more expensive. bcrypt is limited to 72-byte passwords and uses a 1999-era design that lacks memory hardness.
What is the PHC string format?
PHC (Password Hashing Competition) string format encodes all hash parameters in a single portable string: $algorithm$version$parameters$salt$hash.
Is it free?
Yes, completely free.
Is my data safe with this tool?
Absolutely. The Argon2 Password Hash Format Explorer processes everything client-side in your browser. No data is uploaded to or stored on any server. Your content remains private on your device at all times.
Does the Argon2 Password Hash Format Explorer work on mobile devices?
Yes, the Argon2 Password Hash Format Explorer is fully responsive and works on smartphones and tablets. You can use it on any device with a modern web browser -- no app download required.
Do I need to create an account to use this tool?
No account or registration is needed. Simply open the Argon2 Password Hash Format Explorer in your browser and start using it immediately. There are no sign-up walls or usage restrictions.
How do I use the Argon2 Password Hash Format Explorer?
Simply enter your input in the provided field, adjust any settings to your preference, and the tool will process it instantly. You can then copy the result to your clipboard or download it.
Which browsers are supported?
The Argon2 Password Hash Format Explorer works in all modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Opera. For the best experience, use the latest version of your preferred browser.
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About Argon2 Password Hash Format Explorer
Argon2 Password Hash Format Explorer is a free, browser-based tool in our Utility Tools collection. Everything runs locally on your device — no uploads, no sign-up, and your data stays private.