Unix Timestamp Converter
Convert Unix epoch timestamps to human-readable dates, and dates back to timestamps. Supports both seconds and milliseconds.
How to Use
- To convert a database timestamp, paste it into the Timestamp to Date box. The tool auto-detects if it's in seconds or milliseconds based on length.
- Click Convert to Date to see exactly what time that number represents in both UTC and your computer's local timezone.
- To convert a human date into an epoch number, use the Date to Timestamp calendar picker.
- Select whether that date should be interpreted as Local Time or UTC, and click Convert to Timestamp.
Features
Live Ticker
The top of the page displays the current Unix epoch updating in real-time.
Two-Way Sync
Instantly convert timestamps into dates, or dates into timestamps.
Auto-Detection
Smartly differentiates between standard 10-digit seconds and 13-digit milliseconds.
Timezone Aware
Outputs both absolute UTC and your device's relative local timezone.
Use Cases
- Database Debugging: Most databases (like MySQL and MongoDB) store dates as integers. Use this tool to see exactly what time those integers represent when looking at raw data dumps.
- API Development: JSON payloads often transmit dates as Unix timestamps to avoid string parsing issues. Generate the exact timestamp you need to test your backend API logic.
- JWT Validation: JSON Web Tokens use epochs for their
exp(expiration) andiat(issued at) claims. Convert them here to see exactly when a token expires. - Logging Analysis: Server logs and error tracking software often prefix errors with an epoch number.
What is a Unix Timestamp?
A Unix timestamp (or Epoch time) is a system for describing a point in time. It is defined as the number of seconds that have elapsed since 00:00:00 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), Thursday, 1 January 1970 (not counting leap seconds). Every operating system, programming language, and database system in the world understands this number natively.
Because it is just a single integer, it is incredibly fast for computers to sort, compare, and transfer over networks, bypassing all the messy complexities of timezones, daylight savings time, and calendar strings.
Developer Toolbox
If you are working with JWT tokens, you can decode their payloads (which contain Unix timestamps) using our JWT Decoder. For generating cryptographically secure unique identifiers for your database records, use our UUID Generator. If you are preparing standard JSON data to send alongside your timestamps, use the JSON Minifier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my timestamp result in the year 1970?
If you enter a timestamp that was recorded in milliseconds (13 digits) but the tool thinks it is in seconds, the resulting date will be very close to 1970. Ensure the dropdown is set to "Milliseconds".
What is the Year 2038 Problem?
The Year 2038 problem (or Y2K38) is an issue for computing systems that store timestamps as 32-bit signed integers. At 03:14:07 UTC on 19 January 2038, the integer will overflow its maximum value (2,147,483,647), causing systems to read the time as December 1901.
Does this tool account for my timezone?
Yes! The "Local Time" output uses your browser's internal clock and timezone settings to accurately calculate the offset from UTC.
Is the data sent to a server?
No, all date parsing and math happens instantly in your local browser using JavaScript.
Is it free?
Yes, 100% free with no limits.