Passphrase Generator

Generate memorable yet secure passphrases using random words. Easier to remember than random characters while still providing strong security.

Number of Words4

3 words8 words

Word Separator

Capitalize Words

First letter uppercase

Include Number

Append random number

Easy to Remember

Words are easier for humans to remember than random character strings.

Still Secure

4+ random words provide similar entropy to a 16+ character random password.

Diceware Method

Based on the proven Diceware passphrase generation method for high security.

Command Line

$ curl https://dnsx.dev/passphrase

$ curl "https://dnsx.dev/passphrase?words=6"

$ curl "https://dnsx.dev/passphrase?words=5&separator=_&capitalize=false"

Understanding the Diceware Method

The Diceware method was invented by Arnold Reinhold in 1995 as a way to generate strong, memorable passphrases. The core idea is simple: randomly select words from a large word list, and the combination of those words becomes your passphrase. Because each word is chosen independently and uniformly at random, the security of the passphrase is mathematically predictable and reliable.

Our passphrase generator uses a curated word list and a cryptographically secure random number generator (crypto/rand) to select words. This provides the same mathematical guarantees as rolling physical dice, with the convenience of instant generation. Each word adds approximately 12.9 bits of entropy, so a 5-word passphrase provides about 64 bits of entropy -- enough to resist any realistic brute-force attack.

Passphrases vs. Passwords

Memorability

Passphrases use real words that form mental images, making them far easier to remember than random character strings of equivalent security.

Typing Ease

Words are natural to type on any keyboard layout. No hunting for special characters or switching between cases repeatedly.

Entropy per Word

Each word from a 7,776-word list contributes 12.9 bits of entropy. Four words provide 51 bits, six words provide 77 bits of security.

Ideal Use Cases

Passphrases are ideal for master passwords, full-disk encryption, and any scenario where you need to type the password from memory regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a passphrase?▼

A passphrase is a sequence of randomly chosen words used as a password. Instead of a random string like "xK#9mP!2qL", a passphrase looks like "Correct-Horse-Battery-Staple". Passphrases are significantly easier to remember while providing comparable or better security than shorter random passwords, because their length compensates for the smaller character set.

Are passphrases more secure than passwords?▼

It depends on the comparison. A 4-word passphrase from a 7,776-word list provides about 51 bits of entropy, comparable to a randomly generated 8-character password with mixed characters. However, passphrases are much easier to remember, which means people actually use them without writing them down or simplifying them. A 6-word passphrase provides about 77 bits of entropy, making it extremely secure for most purposes.

What is the Diceware method?▼

Diceware is a method for generating passphrases by randomly selecting words from a curated word list. Originally, you would roll five dice to generate a 5-digit number that maps to a word in a list of 7,776 words. Our tool uses a cryptographically secure random number generator (crypto/rand) instead of physical dice, providing the same level of randomness more conveniently. The key principle is that each word is selected independently and uniformly at random.

How many words should I use?▼

For most purposes, 4-5 words provide strong security (51-64 bits of entropy). For high-security applications like master passwords or encryption keys, use 6-8 words (77-103 bits of entropy). Each additional word adds approximately 12.9 bits of entropy (log2 of 7,776). The EFF recommends a minimum of 6 words for passphrases that protect sensitive data.