What is ECDSA?
An ECDSA key generator creates an elliptic-curve key pair for digital signatures. ECDSA gives the same security as RSA with much smaller keys — a 256-bit ECDSA key is roughly as strong as a 3072-bit RSA key — so it is faster and more compact. Common curves include P-256 (secp256r1) and secp256k1 (used by Bitcoin and Ethereum). Keys are generated locally in your browser and never transmitted.
Small, strong keys: ECDSA keys are generated in your browser and never uploaded. Keep the private key secret.
How ECDSA works
ECDSA key generation uses elliptic-curve point multiplication:
- Choose an elliptic curve and its base point G.
- Pick a random private key d (a large number).
- Compute the public key Q by multiplying the base point by d (Q = d · G).
How to use
- Choose your key options (curve/size, format).
- Click generate to create the key pair locally.
- Save your private key somewhere safe and never share it.
Options explained
- Curve — P-256 (secp256r1), secp256k1 (Bitcoin/Ethereum) and others.
- Output format — Export keys in PEM and related formats.
- Passphrase — Optionally protect the private key with a passphrase.
Common uses
- TLS certificates and SSH keys (smaller and faster than RSA).
- Bitcoin and Ethereum wallets (secp256k1).
- JWT signing with ES256.
Frequently asked questions
ECDSA vs RSA?
ECDSA achieves the same security with much smaller keys, so it is faster and more compact.
Which curve should I use?
P-256 for general use; secp256k1 for Bitcoin/Ethereum.
Are the keys generated privately?
Yes, entirely in your browser.