How to Calculate Password Strength
What is Password Strength?
A password entropy calculator measures the cryptographic strength of a password in bits: entropy = log₂(character set size^password length). A 12-character password using upper, lower, digits, and symbols has ~79 bits of entropy. At least 60–70 bits is generally recommended; password managers make using high-entropy passwords practical.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Count character set size
- 2Calculate combinations for length
- 3Show bits of entropy
Worked Examples
Input
12 char password, mixed case+numbers
Result
~79 bits entropy
Measure of password strength
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Not double-checking results
- ✕Ignoring edge cases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this calculator do?
Input values
How do I use this calculator?
System calculates
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