How to convert a Unix timestamp
- Paste the timestamp into the first box. The tool works out whether it is in seconds, milliseconds or microseconds from its length.
- Read the date in your own time zone, in UTC and in ISO 8601 format, plus how long ago it was.
- To go the other way, pick a date and time under Date to timestamp and copy the number you need.
What is a Unix timestamp?
A Unix timestamp counts the seconds since midnight UTC on 1 January 1970, a moment known as the Unix epoch. Databases, APIs and log files store dates this way because a single number is easy to sort and compare, and it means the same moment everywhere in the world.
Timestamps in seconds have 10 digits for current dates. JavaScript and many APIs use milliseconds, which have 13 digits. Some systems use microseconds, with 16 digits.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Unix timestamp have a time zone?
No. It always counts from midnight UTC, so the same number is the same moment everywhere. Only the readable date changes with your time zone.
What is the year 2038 problem?
Older systems store timestamps as a signed 32-bit number, which runs out on 19 January 2038 at 03:14:07 UTC. Modern systems use 64-bit numbers and are not affected.
Why is my converted date in 1970?
The number is probably in seconds but was read as milliseconds, or the field was empty and became 0. Pick the unit by hand in the menu to check.