About this tool
A Unix timestamp (also called epoch time) is the number of seconds that have elapsed since January 1, 1970 UTC. It is the universal way computers represent moments in time — used in databases, log files, APIs, and countless programming contexts.
This tool shows the current Unix timestamp live (updating every second) and lets you convert in both directions: from any timestamp to a human-readable date, and from any date to its timestamp equivalent.
How to use it
- 1Watch the live current timestamp at the top.
- 2To convert: paste a timestamp in the input field — both seconds and milliseconds are auto-detected.
- 3To go the other way: pick a date and time, get the timestamp back.
- 4Use the copy button to grab values for code or queries.
Common use cases
- Debugging logs and timestamps in application code
- Building or testing APIs that use epoch time
- Database queries against time-indexed columns
- Converting historical timestamps from server logs
- Verifying token expiration times in JWTs
How it works
Unix time counts seconds (or milliseconds) since the Unix epoch: 00:00:00 UTC on January 1, 1970. It does not account for leap seconds.
The conversion uses the JavaScript Date object, which interprets the timestamp in UTC and formats it according to your local timezone.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Year 2038 problem?
On 32-bit systems, the Unix timestamp will overflow on January 19, 2038. Modern 64-bit systems use a larger integer that pushes this problem 292 billion years into the future. Most software is now Y2038-safe.
Is the timestamp in seconds or milliseconds?
Both are common. Unix time is traditionally in seconds. JavaScript and many modern APIs use milliseconds. The tool auto-detects which format you input.
Why January 1, 1970?
That date was chosen by the designers of Unix in the early 1970s as a convenient round zero point shortly before the system was developed. It has stuck as a universal convention.
Does it handle dates before 1970?
Yes. Dates before the epoch are represented as negative timestamps. The tool accepts and displays them correctly.