Unix Timestamp Converter

Convert between Unix timestamps (seconds or milliseconds) and human-readable dates. Unix time counts from January 1, 1970 (UTC).

Current Time:

Unix Timestamp (seconds): 0

Unix Timestamp (milliseconds): 0

Date & Time:

Timestamp to Date

Type: Second-based timestamp (10 digits)

Date to Timestamp

What is a Unix Timestamp?

A Unix timestamp (also known as Unix time or POSIX time) is a way to track time as a running total of seconds or milliseconds. This count starts at the Unix Epoch on January 1st, 1970, at UTC. The standard Unix timestamp is in seconds, but millisecond-precision timestamps are also widely used, especially in JavaScript and modern applications.

Seconds vs Milliseconds Format

There are two common formats for Unix timestamps:

  • Second-based timestamps (10 digits for current dates): The classic Unix timestamp, counting seconds since the epoch
  • Millisecond-based timestamps (13 digits for current dates): Used by JavaScript's Date.now() and many modern APIs, offering more precision

Our converter handles both formats. The tool will attempt to auto-detect which format you're using based on the number's magnitude.

Why Use Unix Timestamps?

Unix timestamps are widely used in computer systems and programming for several reasons:

  • Simplicity - A timestamp is just a single number, making it easy to store and manipulate
  • Space efficiency - Requires less storage space than formatted date strings
  • Language agnostic - Works the same way across different programming languages
  • Timezone independent - The same timestamp represents the same moment everywhere in the world
  • Easy calculations - Simple to perform date arithmetic (adding days, finding time differences, etc.)

Common Uses for Timestamp Conversion

Software Development

  • Storing date/time data in databases
  • Working with API responses that use Unix time
  • Debugging timestamp-related issues
  • Implementing time-based features

System Administration

  • Reading server logs with timestamps
  • Scheduling cron jobs
  • Analyzing file metadata
  • Monitoring system events

Web Development

  • Managing cookie expiration times
  • Working with JavaScript Date objects
  • Handling timezone differences
  • Implementing countdown timers

Data Analysis

  • Working with time series data
  • Parsing log files
  • Creating time-based visualizations
  • Finding temporal patterns

Accurate and Free Timestamp Conversion

Our Unix timestamp converter is completely free to use, requires no registration, and works entirely in your browser to ensure your privacy. Whether you're a developer, system administrator, data analyst, or just curious about Unix time, our tool provides a simple and reliable solution for all your timestamp conversion needs.