Timestamp converter
Convert between Unix timestamps and readable dates.
Timestamp converter converts between Unix timestamps (seconds or milliseconds since 1970) and human-readable dates in both directions, with a one-click button to grab the current time.
How to use
- Enter a timestamp and click "Convert to date", or pick a date/time and click "Convert to timestamp".
- Toggle seconds/milliseconds to match your source data.
Common use scenarios
- Converting a Unix timestamp found in an API response or log into a readable date.
- Getting the Unix timestamp for a specific date, for use in code or a database query.
- Quickly checking the current Unix timestamp for testing or debugging.
- Converting between seconds-based and milliseconds-based timestamp formats.
✓Content & verification reviewed: 2026-08-25
How we verify Timestamp converter
How to confirm the conversion is accurate and using the right unit and timezone.
Seconds vs. milliseconds matters a lot
Unix timestamps are commonly given in either seconds or milliseconds since 1970 — using the wrong unit produces a wildly incorrect date (off by a factor of 1000), so always confirm which unit your source data actually uses before converting.
Dates are shown in your browser's local timezone
The readable date shown is interpreted and displayed in your browser's local timezone setting — if you need the date in UTC or another specific timezone, account for the offset from your local zone manually.
"Use current time" is a quick reference point
The "Use current time" button fills in the current moment as both a timestamp and readable date — handy for testing conversions or quickly grabbing "now" as a Unix timestamp.
Before you rely on the result
- You've confirmed whether your source data uses seconds or milliseconds before converting.
- You're aware the displayed date reflects your browser's local timezone, not necessarily UTC.
- You've double-checked the conversion direction (to date vs. to timestamp) matches what you're trying to do.
- For code or database use, you've confirmed the target system expects the same unit (seconds/milliseconds) you're providing.
Who this is for
- Developers converting a Unix timestamp from an API response or log into a readable date.
- Anyone needing the Unix timestamp for a specific date, for code or a database query.
- Developers quickly checking the current Unix timestamp for testing or debugging.
- Anyone converting between seconds-based and milliseconds-based timestamp formats.
Real-world examples
Making sense of a log file timestamp
A developer sees a Unix timestamp in an application log and converts it to a readable date to understand exactly when the logged event occurred.
Getting a timestamp for a database query
Someone needs to query a database for records after a specific date, so they convert that date to a Unix timestamp to use in the query condition.
Debugging a seconds-vs-milliseconds mismatch
A developer notices a date is showing as the year 1970-something and realizes their code was treating a milliseconds timestamp as seconds, catching the bug by converting both ways to compare.
Limitations
- Dates are interpreted and displayed in your browser's local timezone.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my timestamp is in seconds or milliseconds?
Seconds-based Unix timestamps for recent dates are typically 10 digits long, while milliseconds-based ones are 13 digits — if converting produces a date far in the past (like 1970) or far in the future, you likely have the unit toggle set incorrectly.
Is the converted date shown in UTC or my local time?
It's shown in your browser's local timezone — if you need UTC or a different specific timezone, you'll need to manually account for the offset.
What does "Use current time" do?
It fills in the current moment as both a timestamp and a readable date, useful as a quick reference point or for testing the conversion works correctly.
Can I convert a date from the past, like the 1990s?
Yes — Unix timestamps can represent any date the underlying system supports, including dates well before and after the current date.
🔒 Runs in your browser — nothing is uploaded. Results are for reference only; see the disclaimer. Last updated: 2026-08-25
Subscribe for updates
New tools and tips, straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.