About this tool
Unix timestamps — the number of seconds (or milliseconds) since January 1, 1970 — are how most systems, databases, and APIs store dates internally, but they're meaningless to read at a glance. This tool converts a raw timestamp into a human-readable date and time, or goes the other direction, turning a date you specify into its Unix timestamp equivalent. It automatically detects whether a pasted number is in seconds or milliseconds based on its magnitude, and shows the result in your local timezone as well as UTC, which matters when debugging timestamp-related bugs across systems in different timezones. It's a quick reference for developers debugging logs, database records, or API responses that store dates as raw numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How does it know if my timestamp is in seconds or milliseconds?
It checks the magnitude of the number — Unix timestamps in seconds are 10 digits for current dates, while millisecond timestamps are 13 digits, and the tool detects which format you've pasted automatically.
Does it show the result in my local timezone?
Yes, results are shown in your browser's local timezone by default, with UTC also available for comparison.
Can I convert a date back into a Unix timestamp?
Yes, entering a specific date and time converts it into the corresponding Unix timestamp in seconds or milliseconds.
What does a negative Unix timestamp mean?
A negative timestamp represents a date before January 1, 1970 — the Unix epoch — and is valid, though less commonly encountered in modern systems.
Is the current timestamp shown automatically?
Yes, the tool typically displays the current Unix timestamp as a quick reference alongside the conversion inputs.