A Unix timestamp (also called epoch time) is the number of seconds that have passed since 00:00:00 UTC on 1 January 1970, not counting leap seconds. It is a simple, timezone-free way for computers to store a moment in time — for example 1718200000. To convert a Unix timestamp to a date, paste it into a timestamp converter. This guide explains seconds vs milliseconds and how to convert both ways.
Enter a Unix timestamp; the tool auto-detects whether it is in seconds or milliseconds.
Type a human date or ISO 8601 string to convert in the other direction.
See the result in UTC, your local time, or any timezone you pick.
Copy the epoch, ISO, UTC or local value for your logs, code or database.
Seconds vs milliseconds — what’s the difference?
Unix time is classically counted in seconds (10 digits today, e.g. 1718200000). Many languages — notably JavaScript’s Date.now() — use milliseconds (13 digits). A good timestamp converter auto-detects which you pasted so you don’t multiply or divide by 1000 by hand.
Why do systems use epoch time?
Because it is a single integer that is unambiguous across timezones and easy to compare, sort and do arithmetic on. You convert to a human, timezone-aware date only for display. JWT claims like exp and iat are Unix timestamps too — decode one with the JWT decoder.
What is the year 2038 problem?
Systems that store Unix time in a signed 32-bit integer overflow on 19 January 2038. Modern systems use 64-bit timestamps, which push the limit billions of years out. It is mainly a concern for legacy embedded systems.
Tip: If a timestamp looks like it’s in 1970 or the far future, you probably mixed up seconds and milliseconds — check the digit count (10 vs 13).
Convert a timestamp now
Convert Unix/epoch time to a human date in any timezone, and back — free, in your browser.
Open the Timestamp Converter →Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Unix timestamp?
The number of seconds since 1 January 1970 UTC. It is a simple, timezone-free representation of a moment in time.
How do I convert a timestamp to a date?
Paste it into a timestamp converter. It detects seconds vs milliseconds and shows the date in UTC, local and any timezone.
Is epoch time in seconds or milliseconds?
Classic Unix time is seconds (10 digits). JavaScript and some APIs use milliseconds (13 digits).
Is the conversion done online?
It runs in your browser using built-in date support, so nothing is sent to a server.