Unix Timestamp Converter Convert between Unix timestamps and human-readable dates in both directions.
Unix Timestamp Converter
Convert between Unix timestamps and human-readable dates in both directions.
Choose Direction
Select Timestamp → Date or Date → Timestamp conversion.
Enter Timestamp or Pick Date/Time
Type a Unix timestamp or pick a date/time.
Review Local, UTC, and ISO 8601 Output
See the conversion in local time, UTC, ISO 8601, and relative format.
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?
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Bidirectional conversion: timestamp → date and date → timestamp
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Auto-detection of seconds vs milliseconds
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Shows current Unix timestamp in real-time
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Output in multiple formats: local, UTC, ISO 8601, relative
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One-click "Use Current Time" buttons
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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
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1The auto-detect feature handles seconds and milliseconds — toggle off for manual control
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2Use "Use Current Time" to quickly get the current timestamp for API testing
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3The relative time display helps verify you're reading the timestamp correctly
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4JavaScript timestamps are in milliseconds; multiply API seconds by 1000 if converting manually
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5Remember that Unix epoch started January 1, 1970 at midnight UTC
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📅 Date & TimeFrequently Asked Questions
Q What is a Unix timestamp?
Q What is the difference between seconds and milliseconds timestamps?
Q Can I enter negative timestamps?
Q Why do some timestamps have 13 digits?
Q Is the current timestamp displayed in real-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.