Timestamp Converter
Convert Unix timestamps to human-readable dates and vice versa.
What is Unix Epoch Time?
Unix time (also known as Epoch time or POSIX time) is a system for describing a point in time. It is defined as the number of seconds that have elapsed since 00:00:00 UTC, Thursday, 1 January 1970, minus leap seconds.
Because Unix time is a single number, it is widely used in computing and programming to store dates in databases, compare timestamps, and synchronize distributed systems without worrying about local time complexity.
Seconds vs. Milliseconds: The Common Pitfall
A frequent source of bugs in development is the unit used for timestamps:
- Seconds: Traditionally used by Unix systems, C++, Python, and PHP. (Example:
1705312200) - Milliseconds: Used by JavaScript (
Date.now()) and Java. (Example:1705312200000)
Our Timestamp Converter features a toggle to switch between these units, helping you verify data from any system accurately.
The Importance of Timezones and ISO 8601
While Unix time is always in UTC, human-readable dates depend on timezones. Using the ISO 8601 format (e.g., 2024-01-15T10:30:00Z) is the industry best practice for data exchange, as it explicitly defines whether the time is UTC or includes a local offset. This tool allows you to convert to and from various locale formats while explicitly managing the target timezone.
🔒 Privacy Commitment
Like all tools in the Dev Tool Kit, this Timestamp Converter operates 100% client-side. Your data is processed locally in your browser and is never sent to our servers. Privacy is not just a feature; it's our core architecture.