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Cryptography

Bitcoin address generator from a seed

The Bitcoin address generator derives a private key, its WIF and a Base58Check address from seed text you type, from a 64-character hex private key, or at random when the "Seed or private key" field is left empty. A seed is hashed with SHA-256 into a secp256k1 key; the compressed public key is hashed with SHA-256 and RIPEMD-160 and encoded behind a 0x00 version byte into a 1… address. The same seed always gives the same output, and a QR code of the address is drawn under the text. Use it to learn how addresses are formed, not to hold funds.

Open BTC Address Gen in the app Browse all tools

How to use BTC Address Gen

  1. Open BTC Address Gen in the Toolbox101 app; a random key and address appear straight away.
  2. For a reproducible result, type a seed such as hello into Seed or private key (optional), or paste a 64-character hex private key. Leave it empty for a random key.
  3. Read the Private Key, WIF and Address lines in the Output box; a QR code of the address is drawn below them.
  4. Click Generate New for another random pair when the field is empty, and Copy to take the text.
  5. Treat the key as secret: anyone who holds it controls the address and its funds.

Worked example

BTC Address Gen returns the output below for this input.

Input

hello

Output

Private Key: 2cf24dba5fb0a30e26e83b2ac5b9e29e1b161e5c1fa7425e73043362938b9824
WIF: Kxj5ejwPg2s2ejZHW7N1zAydD4fkmFi9j19QRmgeVK9mXL3wFMmp
Address: 1MmqjDhakEfJd9r5BoDhPApCpA75Em17GA

Check it yourself: open BTC Address Gen and enter the same input.

Frequently asked questions

Is this Bitcoin address generator safe for real funds?

No. Treat it as a learning and testing tool, not a wallet. A key made from typed text is only as strong as the text, and bots watch for addresses made from common phrases, so funds sent to one can be swept almost at once. Never type a seed that protects real money into any web page. For real balances use a hardware wallet, or a wallet that creates a BIP39 seed offline.

How is the address derived from my seed?

The seed text is hashed with SHA-256 to form the private key. That key is expanded on the secp256k1 curve to a compressed public key, which is hashed with SHA-256 and then RIPEMD-160. A 0x00 version byte and a four-byte double-SHA-256 checksum are added, and the result is Base58-encoded into the address you see.

What is the WIF line?

WIF, Wallet Import Format, is the private key in the form wallets import: a 0x80 version byte, the 32-byte key and a 0x01 flag that marks a compressed public key, with a Base58Check checksum. A compressed mainnet WIF starts with K or L.

Why does the address change every time I click Generate New?

When the Seed or private key field is empty the tool picks a random key from the browser's secure random number generator, so each click gives a new pair. When you type a seed the derivation is deterministic: the same seed always gives the same key and address, which is how reproducible test fixtures work.

Use BTC Address Gen now

Open BTC Address Gen in the app

Runs in your browser. Nothing you type is uploaded.