What is a Unix Timestamp?
A Unix timestamp (also known as epoch time or POSIX time) is a system for tracking time as the number of seconds that have elapsed since the Unix epoch: January 1, 1970, at 00:00:00 UTC. This standardized time format is used across operating systems, programming languages, databases, and web APIs.
Unix timestamps are stored as integers, making them easy to compare, sort, and perform calculations with. They eliminate timezone ambiguity since they always represent UTC time, making them perfect for distributed systems and global applications.
Unix Timestamp Formats
Example: 1735329600 - Standard Unix timestamp format, most commonly used in Linux systems, PHP, Python, and databases.
Example: 1735329600000 - Used in JavaScript, Java, and systems requiring millisecond precision.
How to Convert Unix Time to Date
Converting epoch timestamps to readable dates is simple with our Unix time converter:
- 1Select "Unix → Date" mode (enabled by default)
- 2Paste or type your Unix timestamp (works with 10-digit seconds or 13-digit milliseconds)
- 3The converter automatically detects the format and displays the readable date in your local timezone
- 4Use the copy buttons to grab the result in your preferred format
Converting Dates to Unix Timestamps
To convert a date to Unix time, switch to "Date → Unix" mode and enter your date. Supported formats include ISO 8601 (2025-12-27T15:30:00Z), common formats like "2025-12-27 15:30:00", or natural language dates. You'll instantly get both seconds and milliseconds timestamps.
Common Use Cases for Unix Timestamp Conversion
🐧 Linux System Administration
Convert Linux file timestamps, log entries, and cron job schedules. Essential for debugging system events and analyzing server logs.
💾 Database Management
Query and update timestamp fields in MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and other databases that store dates as Unix time.
🔌 API Development & Testing
Decode epoch timestamps in API responses, verify JWT token expiration times, and test time-based authentication flows.
📊 Data Analysis
Convert epoch milliseconds to dates for data visualization, analytics reports, and time-series analysis in tools like Excel or Python.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Unix timestamp?
How do I convert Unix timestamp to date?
What's the difference between Unix timestamp in seconds vs milliseconds?
How do I convert epoch milliseconds to date?
Can I convert dates to Unix timestamps?
Does this work for Linux timestamp conversion?
Is this Unix time converter private and secure?
What date formats can I convert to Unix time?
Why Use This Unix Timestamp Converter?
Instant Conversion
Real-time conversion as you type with auto-convert mode enabled
100% Private
All conversions happen in your browser - no data sent to servers
Mobile Optimized
Works perfectly on phones, tablets, and desktops
Smart Detection
Automatically detects seconds vs milliseconds format
Easy Copy
One-click copy buttons for all output formats
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