What is the hash output length of the SHA-1 algorithm?

The SHA-1 algorithm generates a hash output that is 160 bits in length. This fixed-size output is a unique representation of the input data, commonly used for data integrity checks and digital signatures. The choice of 160 bits is a compromise between security and efficiency, suitable for many applications at the time SHA-1 was widely adopted. Despite its vulnerabilities in recent years, the output length remains a defining characteristic of the algorithm, which is crucial for anyone working with cryptographic functions to understand.