Unix Timestamp Converter

Convert Unix timestamps to readable dates and times, or convert dates and times back to Unix timestamps.

Unix timestamp converter

Direction
Unit

Date & Time

August 15, 2024

12:00:00 PM

UTC
August 15, 2024, 12:00:00 PM UTC
ISO 8601
2024-08-15T12:00:00.000Z
Unix timestamp
1723723200

How it works

Unix time counts the number of seconds since January 1, 1970 at 00:00:00 UTC. This converter translates that number into a readable date and time, or converts a date and time back into Unix time. Choose Seconds or Milliseconds explicitly; the converter does not guess from the digit count. UTC is the default interpretation.

Example
Unix timestamp:
1723723200
Unit:
Seconds
Date & time:
August 15, 2024, 12:00:00 PM UTC
ISO 8601:
2024-08-15T12:00:00.000Z

Questions

What is a Unix timestamp?

A Unix timestamp counts the seconds between a moment in time and the Unix epoch: January 1, 1970 at 00:00:00 UTC. It is a single integer, not a formatted calendar date.

When does Unix time start?

Unix time starts at 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC, commonly called the Unix epoch. That instant is timestamp 0.

Are Unix timestamps in seconds or milliseconds?

Classic Unix timestamps use seconds. Some systems store milliseconds since the epoch instead. This converter never auto-detects the unit: choose Seconds or Milliseconds before converting.

What is the difference between UTC and local time?

UTC is a single global time standard. Local time is the same instant shown in your timezone, which may include daylight saving. Timestamp → Date always shows UTC. Date → Timestamp uses UTC or Local time according to the timezone control.

Does a Unix timestamp contain timezone information?

No. A Unix timestamp identifies an instant. It does not store a timezone. Formatting that instant as UTC or local time happens after conversion.

Can Unix timestamps represent dates before 1970?

Yes. Instants before the epoch use negative timestamps. Pre-1970 dates are valid; they are not treated as errors.

Why do some timestamps have 10 digits and others 13 digits?

A typical seconds timestamp around the present has 10 digits. A milliseconds timestamp for the same instant has 13 digits. Digit count is a clue, not a rule this converter applies automatically.

What is ISO 8601?

ISO 8601 is a standard date and time format. This converter shows the UTC form YYYY-MM-DDTHH:mm:ss.sssZ, which is unambiguous across regions.