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Unix Timestamp Converter Convert between Unix timestamps and human-readable dates in both directions.

Unix Timestamp Converter illustration
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Unix Timestamp Converter

Convert between Unix timestamps and human-readable dates in both directions.

1

Choose Direction

Select Timestamp → Date or Date → Timestamp conversion.

2

Enter Timestamp or Pick Date/Time

Type a Unix timestamp or pick a date/time.

3

Review Local, UTC, and ISO 8601 Output

See the conversion in local time, UTC, ISO 8601, and relative format.

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What Is Unix Timestamp Converter?

The Unix Timestamp Converter is a bidirectional tool that converts between Unix timestamps (the number of seconds or milliseconds since January 1, 1970 UTC) and human-readable date formats. In timestamp-to-date mode, enter a numeric timestamp and see it displayed as local time, UTC, ISO 8601, and as a relative time description. In date-to-timestamp mode, pick a date and time to get the equivalent epoch value in both seconds and milliseconds. The tool auto-detects whether your input is in seconds or milliseconds based on magnitude. A live-updating display of the current epoch time is always visible. This is essential for developers working with APIs, databases, and logging systems.

Why Use Unix Timestamp Converter?

  • Bidirectional conversion: timestamp → date and date → timestamp
  • Auto-detection of seconds vs milliseconds
  • Shows current Unix timestamp in real-time
  • Output in multiple formats: local, UTC, ISO 8601, relative
  • One-click "Use Current Time" buttons
  • Essential developer tool with zero dependencies

Common Use Cases

API Debugging

Decode Unix timestamps returned by APIs into readable dates for debugging.

Database Queries

Convert between human dates and epoch timestamps for database WHERE clauses.

Log Analysis

Convert log file timestamps to human-readable dates for investigation.

JWT Token Inspection

Decode exp and iat fields in JWT tokens to verify token validity.

Event Scheduling

Generate Unix timestamps for scheduling events in backend systems.

Technical Guide

The converter handles three timestamp formats: seconds (10 digits, standard Unix), milliseconds (13 digits, JavaScript Date.now()), and microseconds (16 digits, some logging systems). Auto-detection uses magnitude thresholds: values above 1e15 are treated as microseconds, above 1e12 as milliseconds, otherwise as seconds. The conversion uses JavaScript's Date constructor which accepts millisecond timestamps, so seconds are multiplied by 1000. The reverse conversion uses Date.getTime() for milliseconds and Math.floor(getTime() / 1000) for seconds. The live current timestamp uses a useEffect with a 1-second setInterval. Relative time descriptions are computed by comparing the timestamp to the current time and expressing the difference in the most appropriate unit.

Tips & Best Practices

  • 1
    The auto-detect feature handles seconds and milliseconds — toggle off for manual control
  • 2
    Use "Use Current Time" to quickly get the current timestamp for API testing
  • 3
    The relative time display helps verify you're reading the timestamp correctly
  • 4
    JavaScript timestamps are in milliseconds; multiply API seconds by 1000 if converting manually
  • 5
    Remember that Unix epoch started January 1, 1970 at midnight UTC

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q What is a Unix timestamp?
A Unix timestamp (or epoch time) is the number of seconds that have elapsed since January 1, 1970 at 00:00:00 UTC, not counting leap seconds.
Q What is the difference between seconds and milliseconds timestamps?
Unix timestamps are traditionally in seconds (10 digits). JavaScript and many modern APIs use milliseconds (13 digits). This tool auto-detects the format.
Q Can I enter negative timestamps?
Yes, negative timestamps represent dates before January 1, 1970 (the Unix epoch). For example, -86400 represents December 31, 1969.
Q Why do some timestamps have 13 digits?
A 13-digit timestamp is in milliseconds (as used by JavaScript's Date.now()). A 10-digit timestamp is in seconds.
Q Is the current timestamp displayed in real-time?
Yes, the current timestamp counter updates every second to show the live Unix epoch time.

About This Tool

Unix Timestamp Converter is a free online tool by FreeToolkit.ai. All processing happens directly in your browser — your data never leaves your device. No registration or installation required.