Computers track time as a simple number: the count of seconds since January 1, 1970 (the Unix Epoch). Humans prefer readable dates. This tool bridges the gap, allowing you to instantly convert between raw Unix timestamps and standard date formats (ISO, Local, UTC) for debugging and development.
What is Unix Time?
Unix time (or Epoch time) is a system for describing a point in time. It is the number of seconds that have elapsed since the Unix Epoch, minus leap seconds. It is the standard way time is stored in databases, logs, and APIs.
Why Convert Timestamps?
- Debug "1678900000" into a readable date to check data accuracy
- Convert a specific future date into a timestamp for scheduling code
- Switch between Seconds (PHP/Python) and Milliseconds (JavaScript/Java)
- Verify timezone offsets (UTC vs Local)
- Copy ISO 8601 strings for API payloads
How to Convert
Select Mode
Timestamp to Date OR Date to Timestamp.
Input Value
Enter the number or pick a date from the calendar.
Review Formats
See the result in UTC, Local, ISO, and Relative formats.
Copy
One-click copy the format you need.
Key Features
Smart Detection
Auto-detects if input is seconds or milliseconds.
Multi-Format Output
Shows UTC, Local, ISO 8601, and RFC 2822 formatting simultaneously.
Real-Time
Converts instantly as you type without page reloads.
Current Time
One-button access to "Now" for quick reference.
Relative Time
Shows "2 hours ago" or "in 5 days" context.
Best Practices
- JavaScript uses milliseconds (13 digits), while PHP/Unix uses seconds (10 digits)
- Always store times in UTC in your database to avoid timezone headaches
- Use ISO 8601 (YYYY-MM-DD) for API interchange
- Be aware of the "Year 2038 problem" for 32-bit integer systems
Common Use Cases
Log Analysis
Decoding server logs that use raw timestamps.
Database Queries
Generating the correct integer for "WHERE created_at > X".
Frontend Debugging
Checking why a date is showing as "NaN" or "Invalid Date".
API Integration
Formatting dates correctly for third-party endpoints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my date in 1970?
You likely treated a milliseconds value as seconds. Try multiplying by 1000.
What is the Epoch?
It is 00:00:00 UTC on 1 January 1970.
Does it handle leap seconds?
Standard Unix time ignores leap seconds, and so does this tool.
Is it free?
Yes, unlimited conversions forever.
Ready to Get Started?
100% browser-based. Your data never leaves your device.
Open Unix Timestamp Converter