What is the difference between seconds and milliseconds timestamps?

Unix timestamps in seconds are 10 digits (e.g., 1706234567), while millisecond timestamps are 13 digits (e.g., 1706234567890). JavaScript uses milliseconds, while most backend systems use seconds.

Will Unix time run out?

The Year 2038 Problem affects 32-bit systems which will overflow on January 19, 2038. Modern 64-bit systems can handle timestamps until approximately 292 billion years from now.

Free Unix Timestamp Converter Online 2026

Q: What is a Unix timestamp?

A Unix timestamp (also called Epoch time) is the number of seconds that have elapsed since January 1, 1970 00:00:00 UTC, not counting leap seconds.

Welcome to Code Formatter's Unix Timestamp Converter � the most comprehensive and developer-friendly tool for converting between Unix epoch timestamps and human-readable dates. Whether you're debugging API responses, analyzing server logs, working with database records, or building time-sensitive applications, our converter handles all your timestamp needs with precision and ease.

Unix timestamps are the backbone of modern computing. Every programming language, database, and operating system uses them internally to track time. However, reading "1706234567" isn't exactly intuitive for humans. Our online epoch converter bridges this gap, providing instant bidirectional conversion with support for multiple timezones, formats, and precisions � all processed securely in your browser.

What is a Unix Timestamp?

A Unix timestamp (also called Epoch time, POSIX time, or Unix Epoch) is a system for tracking time as a running total of seconds. Specifically, it represents the number of seconds that have elapsed since January 1, 1970, 00:00:00 UTC (known as the Unix Epoch), not counting leap seconds.

For example, the timestamp 1706234567 represents January 26, 2024, 03:22:47 UTC. This simple numeric format makes it easy for computers to store, compare, and calculate time differences without worrying about timezones, date formats, or calendar complexities.

Seconds vs Milliseconds

Unix Timestamp in Seconds (10 digits)

The traditional Unix timestamp format uses seconds as the base unit. A 10-digit timestamp like 1706234567 is used by most backend systems, databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL), and programming languages like Python, PHP, and Ruby.

Unix Timestamp in Milliseconds (13 digits)

JavaScript, Java, and many modern APIs use millisecond precision. A 13-digit timestamp like 1706234567890 includes three additional digits for millisecond accuracy. Our converter automatically detects which format you're using based on the number of digits.

How to Use This Converter

Timestamp to Date

Enter your Unix timestamp in the left panel
The tool automatically detects seconds vs milliseconds
View the converted date in multiple formats (local, ISO 8601, relative)
Click copy to use the result instantly

Date to Timestamp

Use the date picker or type a date string in the right panel
Select your timezone from the dropdown
Get both seconds and milliseconds timestamps
Copy to clipboard with one click

Key Features

Live Current Timestamp: See the current Unix time updating in real-time
Auto-Detection: Automatically identifies seconds (10-digit) or milliseconds (13-digit) format
Multiple Timezones: Convert to/from 10+ major world timezones
Multiple Output Formats: Local time, ISO 8601, and relative time ("2 days ago")
Bidirectional Conversion: Timestamp ? Date and Date ? Timestamp
One-Click Copy: Copy any result to clipboard instantly
100% Client-Side: All processing happens in your browser � your data never leaves
Offline Support: Works without internet after the page loads

Common Use Cases

1. Debugging API Responses

REST APIs often return timestamps in Unix format. When your API response shows "created_at": 1706234567, this tool instantly tells you that's January 26, 2024.

2. Analyzing Server Logs

Server logs frequently use epoch timestamps for compactness and sorting efficiency. Convert these to human-readable dates for easier log analysis and debugging.

3. Database Queries

When writing SQL queries with date filters, convert your target date to a timestamp for accurate filtering: WHERE created_at > 1706234567

4. Scheduling and Cron Jobs

Calculate future timestamps for scheduled tasks, cache expiration times, or token validity periods.

The Year 2038 Problem

On January 19, 2038, at 03:14:07 UTC, 32-bit signed integer timestamps will overflow, wrapping around to represent December 13, 1901. This is known as the Y2K38 bug or "Epochalypse." Modern 64-bit systems are immune to this issue and can represent dates until approximately 292 billion years from now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current Unix timestamp?

The current Unix timestamp is displayed live at the top of the converter. It updates every second and shows both the numeric value and the corresponding date/time.

How do I convert milliseconds to seconds?

Simply divide by 1000. For example, 1706234567890 / 1000 = 1706234567. Our tool accepts both formats and shows results in your selected unit.

Why does JavaScript use milliseconds?

JavaScript's Date.now() returns milliseconds for higher precision in web applications where sub-second accuracy matters for animations, timing, and event handling.

Can I convert negative timestamps?

Yes! Negative timestamps represent dates before January 1, 1970. For example, -86400 represents December 31, 1969.

How accurate is this converter?

Our converter is accurate to the millisecond and properly handles timezones and daylight saving time transitions using your browser's Intl API.

Is my data secure?

Absolutely. All conversions happen locally in your browser using JavaScript. No timestamps are ever sent to our servers. You can verify this in your browser's network tab.

Code Formatter � 2026. Professional developer tools built with privacy and performance in mind.

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