Timestamp Generator

A Unix timestamp is the number of seconds that have elapsed since January 1, 1970 00:00:00 UTC (the Unix epoch). For example, 1609459200 represents January 1, 2021 00:00:00 UTC. It's a universal way to represent time as a single number, making it easy to store, compare, and perform calculations with dates across different time zones and systems.

Enter the Unix timestamp (number of seconds since 1970) into our converter, and we'll show you the corresponding date and time in a human-readable format. You can see the date in your local timezone as well as UTC. Most timestamps are 10 digits for seconds, but some systems use 13 digits for milliseconds (divide by 1000 to get seconds).

Unix timestamps are traditionally measured in seconds (10 digits, e.g., 1609459200). However, JavaScript and some other systems use milliseconds (13 digits, e.g., 1609459200000). To convert milliseconds to seconds, divide by 1000. To convert seconds to milliseconds, multiply by 1000. Our tool handles both formats automatically.

Use our generator to instantly get the current Unix timestamp. In JavaScript, you can use Date.now() for milliseconds or Math.floor(Date.now() / 1000) for seconds. In Python, use time.time(). In PHP, use time(). Having the current timestamp is useful for logging, creating unique identifiers, or testing time-based functionality.

Unix timestamps are always in UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) by definition. When converted to a human-readable date, the display depends on the time zone. For example, timestamp 1609459200 is January 1, 2021 00:00:00 UTC, but it would show as December 31, 2020 19:00:00 in New York (EST, UTC-5). Always consider time zones when working with timestamps.

Since timestamps are just numbers, you can use simple arithmetic. To find the time between two events, subtract one timestamp from another (the result is in seconds). To add time to a timestamp, add the number of seconds (e.g., +86400 adds one day, +3600 adds one hour). This makes timestamps perfect for date calculations without worrying about months, leap years, or time zones.

The Unix epoch (January 1, 1970 00:00:00 UTC) was chosen as the zero point when Unix was developed in the early 1970s. This date was recent enough to be relevant and far enough back to cover most computing needs. Negative timestamps represent dates before 1970, though they're rarely used.

JavaScript uses Date.now() or new Date().getTime() (milliseconds), Python uses time.time() (seconds), PHP uses time() (seconds), Java uses System.currentTimeMillis() (milliseconds). When exchanging timestamps between systems, always verify whether you're working with seconds or milliseconds to avoid errors.

Unix timestamps are always in UTC and are unaffected by daylight saving time. DST only affects the conversion from timestamp to local time display. This is why timestamps are perfect for storing time data - they're immune to timezone and DST complications.