What is a timestamp converter tool?
A timestamp converter is an online utility that translates between human-readable dates and times and their corresponding Unix timestamps. A Unix timestamp is a numerical representation of a specific moment in time, defined as the number of seconds that have elapsed since January 1, 1970, 00:00:00 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), not counting leap seconds. This tool allows you to easily convert a timestamp to a readable date and vice versa, which is essential for developers, system administrators, and data analysts working with log files, databases, and APIs.
How do I convert a Unix timestamp to a human-readable date?
To convert a Unix timestamp, simply enter the numeric value (e.g., 1711234567) into the converter's input field. The tool will instantly calculate and display the equivalent date and time in UTC and your local time zone. The result typically includes the day of the week, year, month, day, hour, minute, and second, providing a complete and understandable format.
How do I convert a human-readable date to a Unix timestamp?
To perform this conversion, enter your date and time into the designated field. You can often type it in common formats (like "2024-03-23 14:30:00") or use a calendar picker. Ensure you specify or select the correct time zone for your input. The converter will then calculate and output the corresponding Unix timestamp, representing the number of seconds since the Unix epoch for that precise moment.
What is the difference between a timestamp in seconds and milliseconds?
The standard Unix timestamp is measured in seconds. However, many modern systems and programming languages (like JavaScript) use timestamps in milliseconds, which are the number of milliseconds since the epoch. Our converter handles both. A 10-digit number (e.g., 1711234567) is in seconds, while a 13-digit number (e.g., 1711234567890) is in milliseconds. The tool automatically detects the format or provides options to specify your input, ensuring an accurate conversion.
Why is the converted time different from my local time?
Timestamps are inherently based on UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). When you convert a timestamp, the tool shows the UTC time first. The local time display is calculated based on your device's or browser's time zone settings. If the times seem incorrect, please verify your computer's time zone and daylight saving time settings, as the converter uses this information to calculate the local time output.
What is the valid range for Unix timestamps?
The practical range depends on the system handling the timestamp. For most 32-bit systems, timestamps are signed integers, covering dates from December 13, 1901, to January 19, 2038 (the "Year 2038" problem). Modern 64-bit systems have a vastly extended range. Our converter can handle a wide range of dates, both in the past and far into the future, for general conversion purposes.
Can I convert timestamps for different time zones?
Yes. A core feature of a timestamp converter is the ability to display the resulting date and time in multiple time zones. After converting a timestamp, the tool typically shows the UTC time and your local time. Many advanced converters also allow you to select and view the result in any specific time zone (e.g., EST, PST, CET, etc.), which is crucial for coordinating events or analyzing data across global systems.