What is a Unix Timestamp?
A Unix timestamp is a system for describing a point in time as a single integer — the number of seconds since the Unix Epoch (00:00:00 UTC, January 1, 1970). It is used universally in databases, APIs, log files, and programming languages.
- 10-digit timestamp = seconds (e.g.,
1708848000) - 13-digit timestamp = milliseconds (e.g.,
1708848000000)
Why Do Developers Use Unix Time?
- Universal: A single number works across every timezone and locale.
- Sortable: Timestamps can be compared and sorted easily as integers.
- Compact: Storing
1708848000is smaller than "Thu Feb 25 2025 08:00:00 UTC". - Math-friendly: Calculating durations is as simple as subtracting two numbers.
How to Convert a Unix Timestamp
1Check the Current Timestamp dashboard at the top — it refreshes every second.
2To decode: paste any 10-digit (seconds) or 13-digit (milliseconds) timestamp into the Timestamp → Date field.
3To encode: use the Date → Timestamp date picker to generate a Unix timestamp for any date and time.
4Copy the result with one click.
💡 Pro Tip: If your timestamp looks too large (like
1708848000000), it is in milliseconds. Our tool auto-detects this and converts correctly.Common Timestamp Values
0= January 1, 1970 (the Unix Epoch)1000000000= September 9, 2001 01:46:402000000000= May 18, 2033 03:33:20
FAQ
Can Unix timestamps handle dates before 1970?
Yes — negative values represent dates before January 1, 1970. For example, -86400 = December 31, 1969.
Does the timezone affect timestamps?
Unix timestamps are always in UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), so timezone differences don't affect the stored number — only the display of the date.