Unix Timestamp Converter - Convert Epoch Time Online

What is Unix Timestamp Converter?

Unix Timestamp Converter helps you translate between computer time and human time. Computers often store dates as a single number called a "Unix timestamp" - the number of seconds since January 1, 1970. This tool converts that number into a date you can read, or turns any date into a timestamp.

Why Would You Need to Convert Unix Timestamps?

Here are some common situations where this tool comes in handy:

• Working with APIs: Many web services send dates as timestamps. Convert them to see actual dates when debugging or testing.
• Database work: Databases often store dates as timestamps. This tool helps you understand what date a record represents.
• Log file analysis: Server logs frequently use timestamps. Convert them to find exactly when an event occurred.
• Scheduling tasks: Need to set a cron job or scheduled task? Convert your target date to a timestamp.
• Comparing times across zones: Timestamps are timezone-neutral. Convert to different timezones to coordinate across regions.

How to Convert a Timestamp to a Date - Step by Step

1. Select the Timestamp → Date tab: This is the default view when you open the tool.
2. Enter your timestamp: Paste the Unix timestamp into the input field. The tool automatically detects if it's in seconds or milliseconds.
3. Choose your timezone: Select the timezone you want the date displayed in. UTC is selected by default.
4. Click Convert to Date: Your results appear instantly with the formatted date, ISO 8601, and RFC 2822 formats.
5. Copy what you need: Click the copy button next to any result to copy it to your clipboard.

How to Convert a Date to a Timestamp - Step by Step

1. Switch to Date → Timestamp tab: Click the second tab at the top.
2. Pick your date: Use the date picker or type a date in YYYY-MM-DD format.
3. Add a time (optional): Enter a specific time, or leave blank for midnight (00:00:00).
4. Select your timezone: Choose the timezone your date is in.
5. Click Convert to Timestamp: Get both seconds and milliseconds formats instantly.

Key Features

• Live current timestamp: See the current Unix timestamp updating in real-time at the top of the page
• Two-way conversion: Convert timestamps to dates or dates to timestamps
• Multiple timezones: Choose from 16 common timezones including UTC, ET, PT, GMT, JST, and more
• Auto-detect milliseconds: The tool recognizes both seconds and milliseconds timestamps automatically
• Multiple output formats: Get results in standard format, ISO 8601, and RFC 2822
• Relative time: See how long ago or in the future a timestamp is
• Extra date info: View day of week, week number, day of year, and leap year status
• One-click copy: Easily copy any result to your clipboard

Tips for Best Results

• If your timestamp has 13 digits, it's in milliseconds. The tool handles this automatically.
• Use the "current timestamp" button to quickly test with the current time
• Remember that Unix timestamps are always based on UTC - timezone only affects the display
• Negative timestamps represent dates before January 1, 1970

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Unix time or Epoch time?

Unix time (also called Epoch time or POSIX time) counts the seconds since January 1, 1970, at 00:00:00 UTC. This "birthday" of Unix time is called the Unix Epoch. It's a simple way for computers to store and compare dates as a single number.

Why do some timestamps have 10 digits and others have 13?

10-digit timestamps are in seconds (the standard Unix format). 13-digit timestamps are in milliseconds, often used in JavaScript and some APIs. Our tool detects and handles both automatically.

What happens after 2038?

Older 32-bit systems will overflow on January 19, 2038 (the "Year 2038 problem"). Modern 64-bit systems handle dates far into the future - no need to worry if your system is up to date.

Can I convert dates before 1970?

Yes! Dates before the Unix Epoch are represented as negative timestamps. For example, December 31, 1969 at 23:59:59 UTC would be timestamp -1.