What Is a Unix Timestamp?
A Unix timestamp, also called Unix time, epoch time, or POSIX time, is a numeric representation of a point in time. Unix time is based on the Unix epoch, which begins at 00:00:00 UTC on January 1, 1970. Instead of storing a calendar date such as January 1, 2026, computer systems can store a number representing the elapsed time from the Unix epoch.
Unix timestamps are widely used in software development, APIs, databases, web applications, server logs, authentication systems, data processing and automated jobs. A timestamp makes it easier for computer systems to compare, sort and store points in time. The original Unix timestamp convention commonly represents time in seconds, while many modern programming environments also use milliseconds.
Unix Timestamp Converter
This Unix timestamp converter lets you convert an epoch timestamp into a human-readable date and time. You can also reverse the process by entering a date and time and converting it into Unix seconds or milliseconds.
The converter supports automatic timestamp detection along with seconds, milliseconds and microseconds. The result shows UTC, your local time, ISO 8601, RFC 2822, relative time, Unix seconds and Unix milliseconds.
Unix Timestamp to Date
To convert a Unix timestamp to a date, enter the timestamp into the Timestamp to Date field and select Auto, Seconds, Milliseconds or Microseconds. When Auto is selected, the tool estimates the appropriate precision from the value.
For example, a timestamp such as 1700000000 is commonly interpreted as Unix time in seconds. A value such as 1700000000000 is typically a Unix timestamp in milliseconds.
Date to Unix Timestamp
You can also convert a normal date and time into a Unix timestamp. Select a date, enter the time, choose whether the input should be interpreted as local time or UTC, and select Convert Date.
The result provides both Unix seconds and Unix milliseconds. This is useful when working with APIs, databases, JavaScript, PHP, Python, Java, mobile applications and backend systems.
Seconds vs Milliseconds
One of the most common timestamp mistakes is confusing seconds with milliseconds. Unix timestamps in seconds are generally around ten digits for dates in the current era, while millisecond timestamps are generally around thirteen digits.
| Unit | Example | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Seconds | 1700000000 | APIs, Unix/Linux systems |
| Milliseconds | 1700000000000 | JavaScript and many web APIs |
| Microseconds | 1700000000000000 | High-resolution systems |
Unix Time and UTC
A Unix timestamp represents a point in time rather than a local clock display. The same timestamp can therefore be displayed as different calendar times depending on the selected time zone. This converter shows UTC and your device's local time so you can compare the two representations easily.
ISO 8601 Timestamp Format
ISO 8601 is a widely used date and time representation. A typical
UTC value can look like
2026-09-19T04:40:34.000Z.
ISO 8601 is especially useful when timestamps need to be exchanged
between different systems and programming languages.
Where Are Unix Timestamps Used?
Developers encounter Unix timestamps in many places. API responses can contain epoch values for created and updated dates. Databases can store timestamps for records and events. Server logs can use epoch values to make event ordering straightforward. Authentication systems can use timestamps to represent expiration and issuance times.
Unix timestamps are also common in JavaScript, PHP, Python, Java, Kotlin, SQL databases, Linux commands, JSON APIs, webhooks, analytics systems and cloud services.
How to Use This Unix Timestamp Converter
- Enter a Unix timestamp into the Timestamp to Date field.
- Choose Auto, Seconds, Milliseconds or Microseconds.
- Select Convert Timestamp.
- Review the UTC, local, ISO 8601, RFC 2822 and relative results.
- Use the copy buttons to quickly copy the format you need.
- To perform the reverse conversion, enter a date and time in the Date to Timestamp section.
Unix Timestamp Converter for Developers
Developers often need to decode timestamps while debugging API responses, inspecting databases, reviewing server logs or testing applications. Instead of manually calculating an epoch value, this tool provides the readable date and multiple timestamp representations in one place.
Because the conversion is performed directly in the browser, there is no need to upload a timestamp or date to a server. This makes the tool convenient for working with development values, logs and test data.
Unix Timestamp vs Epoch Time
The terms Unix timestamp, Unix time and epoch time are commonly used interchangeably when referring to the Unix time convention. The important concept is that the value represents elapsed time relative to the Unix epoch rather than storing a human-readable calendar date directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current Unix timestamp?
The current Unix timestamp is the number of Unix time units that have elapsed since the Unix epoch. This page displays the current value automatically and updates it while the page is open.
How do I convert Unix timestamp to date?
Enter the Unix timestamp into the Timestamp to Date converter, choose the appropriate unit or use Auto, and select Convert Timestamp. The tool will show the corresponding UTC and local date and time.
How do I convert a date to Unix timestamp?
Enter the date and time in the Date to Timestamp section, choose Local Time or UTC, and select Convert Date. The tool will return Unix seconds and milliseconds.
Is Unix timestamp the same as epoch time?
Unix timestamp and Unix epoch time are commonly used names for the same timestamp convention. The Unix epoch is the reference point beginning on January 1, 1970 at 00:00:00 UTC.