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Unix Timestamp Converter
Convert Unix timestamps to readable dates and convert dates back to Unix timestamps instantly in your browser.
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Timestamp to Date
Date to Unix Timestamp
What is a Unix timestamp?
A Unix timestamp represents elapsed time relative to January 1, 1970 00:00:00 UTC. The numeric value is timezone-independent, while its human-readable representation can vary by timezone.
Unix seconds vs milliseconds
Unix timestamps in seconds are common in APIs and command-line tools, while JavaScript commonly uses milliseconds. For example, Unix seconds 1,609,459,200 and milliseconds 1,609,459,200,000 represent the same instant. Digit length is only a clue, not a universal rule.
Unix timestamp examples
| Unix Timestamp | UTC Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1970-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | Unix epoch |
| 1 | 1970-01-01T00:00:01.000Z | One second after epoch |
| -1 | 1969-12-31T23:59:59.000Z | One second before epoch |
Unix timestamps in programming
Date.now() in JavaScript returns milliseconds. PHP time() returns Unix seconds. Python time.time() returns seconds as a floating-point value.
What is the Year 2038 problem?
Some systems store Unix seconds in a signed 32-bit integer, which reaches its limit around January 19, 2038. Modern systems may use 64-bit or other wider representations, so the limitation does not affect every platform equally.
Unix Timestamp Converter FAQ
What is the current Unix timestamp?
The current Unix timestamp is the number of seconds elapsed since the Unix epoch. This page updates its current value every second using your browser clock.
What date is Unix timestamp 0?
Unix timestamp 0 is 1970-01-01T00:00:00.000Z, the Unix epoch in UTC.
Are Unix timestamps always in UTC?
The numeric timestamp represents an instant relative to the UTC epoch. The human-readable display can be formatted in UTC, local time or another timezone.
What is the difference between Unix seconds and milliseconds?
Unix seconds count whole or fractional seconds since the epoch. JavaScript timestamps commonly use milliseconds, which are 1,000 times larger for the same instant.
Can Unix timestamps be negative?
Yes. Negative timestamps represent instants before 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC. For example, -1 is one second before the epoch.
Does a Unix timestamp contain timezone information?
No. A timestamp identifies an instant relative to the UTC epoch; timezone information is only used when displaying or interpreting a calendar date and time.
How do I convert a timestamp to local time?
Enter the timestamp, choose its unit or use Auto detect, and select Convert to Date. The result includes your browser local-time representation.
Why does the same Unix timestamp show different local times?
Different locations have different UTC offsets and daylight-saving rules. The underlying instant is the same, while the local calendar display changes.
What is ISO 8601?
ISO 8601 is a standard format for representing dates and times. The converter shows an unambiguous UTC ISO 8601 value such as 2021-01-01T00:00:00.000Z.
What is the Year 2038 problem?
Some systems using signed 32-bit seconds overflow around 2038-01-19. Modern systems may use wider timestamps, so the limitation does not affect every platform equally.
Does WCODX store the timestamps I convert?
No. Conversion happens locally in your browser. WCODX does not store or transmit the timestamps, dates or times entered into this tool.