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Unix Timestamp Converter

Convert Unix timestamps to human-readable dates and vice versa

Free online Unix timestamp converter tool. Convert Unix epoch timestamps to readable dates and convert dates to Unix timestamps. Supports milliseconds and seconds precision. Perfect for developers working with APIs, databases, and logs. All processing happens in your browser.

Timestamp → Date

UTC

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Local Timezone

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Date → Timestamp

Unix Timestamp

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How to convert Unix timestamps?

Converting between Unix timestamps and human-readable dates is essential for developers working with APIs, databases, system logs, and more. Here's how to use this tool:

  • To convert a timestamp to a date: Simply paste or type a Unix timestamp (e.g., 1711747200) into the "Timestamp" input field. The tool instantly converts it to a human-readable date and time in UTC and your local timezone below.
  • To convert a date to a timestamp: Enter a date in the "Date & Time" input field. The tool instantly calculates the equivalent Unix timestamp (in seconds and milliseconds).
  • Use the copy buttons next to each result to quickly copy the converted value to your clipboard for use in your code or documentation.
  • Switch between seconds (Unix standard) and milliseconds (JavaScript Date standard) using the precision buttons near the timestamp input.

What is a Unix timestamp?

A Unix timestamp (also called Unix time, Epoch time, or POSIX time) is a system for tracking time that counts the number of seconds (or milliseconds) that have elapsed since January 1, 1970, 00:00:00 UTC (the Unix Epoch). This simple integer-based system is universally used in computing because it's easy to store, compare, and transmit across different systems and timezones. Most programming languages have built-in support for Unix timestamps, making them the standard way to represent time in APIs, databases, log files, and configuration systems.

Common use cases

  • API development: Most REST APIs use Unix timestamps for representing dates in JSON responses and requests.
  • Database storage: Unix timestamps are efficient for storing date/time values in databases - they take only 4 bytes (INT) or 8 bytes (BIGINT).
  • Log file analysis: System and application logs often use Unix timestamps. Converting them helps with debugging and analysis.
  • Configuration files: Many configuration systems (cron, systemd timers) use Unix timestamps for scheduling.
  • Cross-timezone collaboration: Unix timestamps eliminate timezone confusion by always representing absolute moments in time.
  • JavaScript development: JavaScript's Date.now() returns milliseconds since epoch, and many libraries work with timestamps.
  • Blockchain and cryptocurrency: Block timestamps and transaction times are commonly stored as Unix timestamps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Unix timestamp?

A Unix timestamp is the number of seconds (or milliseconds) that have elapsed since January 1, 1970, 00:00:00 UTC (the Unix Epoch). It's a universal timekeeping system used by virtually all computer systems, programming languages, and APIs. The timestamp is an integer that increases by 1 every second, making it easy to store, compare, and calculate with date and time values.

What's the difference between seconds and milliseconds precision?

Unix timestamps in seconds (10 digits) are the standard used by Unix/Linux systems, databases, and most APIs. JavaScript's Date.getTime() returns timestamps in milliseconds (13 digits), which includes three extra decimal places for more precision. Our tool supports both formats, so you can convert between them seamlessly. Just use the precision toggle buttons to switch.

Does this tool work with different timezones?

Yes! The tool shows the converted date in both UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) and your local timezone (detected from your browser settings). This makes it easy to understand exactly what time a timestamp represents, regardless of where you or your servers are located.

What happens with negative timestamps (before 1970)?

Negative Unix timestamps represent dates before January 1, 1970. Our tool fully supports negative timestamps and will correctly convert them to dates like '1969-12-31' or earlier. This is useful when working with historical data or legacy systems.

Why are my timestamps showing the wrong date?

The most common issue is precision mismatch. If your timestamp looks like it's 1000x too large (e.g., 1711747200000 instead of 1711747200), you're using milliseconds instead of seconds, or vice versa. The number of digits is the giveaway: 10 digits = seconds, 13 digits = milliseconds. Use our precision toggle to switch between formats and find the correct interpretation.

How accurate is the conversion?

The conversion is accurate to the second (for seconds precision) or millisecond (for milliseconds precision). The tool uses the browser's built-in Date object, which is accurate and handles all standard dates from approximately 100,000,000 days before and after the Unix epoch.

Is my data sent to any server?

No! Everything happens right in your browser using JavaScript. Your timestamps and dates never leave your device. There are no API calls, no server processing, and no data storage. Your data remains completely private and secure.

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