Epoch Converter Online

Convert epoch time to dates and dates to epoch — the definitive time conversion reference

What Is Epoch Time?

Epoch time (also known as Unix time, POSIX time, or Unix timestamp) counts the number of seconds elapsed since the Unix epoch: January 1, 1970, at 00:00:00 UTC. This single number provides an unambiguous representation of a moment in time that is independent of timezone, daylight saving, or calendar system. The epoch itself (time zero) was chosen arbitrarily when Unix was being developed at Bell Labs in the early 1970s.

Epoch time is the foundation of time handling in computing. Operating systems, programming languages, databases, web servers, and network protocols all use epoch timestamps internally. While users see dates formatted as 'February 14, 2026', computers store and compare time as integer epoch values. An epoch converter bridges these two representations, translating between machine-readable timestamps and human-readable dates and times.

How to Convert Epoch Timestamps

1. Enter an epoch timestamp (seconds or milliseconds) in the input field
2. The human-readable date and time appear instantly in both UTC and your local timezone
3. Or use the date picker to select a date and generate the corresponding epoch value
4. Toggle between seconds (10-digit) and milliseconds (13-digit) epoch formats
5. Copy results in your preferred format for use in code, queries, or documentation

Why Use PinusX Epoch Converter?

PinusX converts epoch timestamps with 100% client-side processing. Your timestamp data never leaves your browser. Epoch values from server logs, database records, and authentication tokens can reveal sensitive operational timing — when systems were accessed, when sessions started, when critical events occurred. In November 2025, jsonformatter.org leaked over 80,000 user credentials processed through their servers. PinusX avoids this by running all time conversions locally in your browser tab using JavaScript's Date APIs, with zero network communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between epoch and Unix timestamp?

They are the same thing. Epoch time, Unix time, Unix timestamp, and POSIX time all refer to the number of seconds since January 1, 1970, 00:00:00 UTC. The terms are used interchangeably. Some contexts use epoch for seconds and timestamp for either seconds or milliseconds, but there is no formal distinction.

Why start from January 1, 1970?

The Unix epoch was chosen pragmatically by the early Unix developers at Bell Labs. Unix was being developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, so a recent round date was selected. January 1, 1970, was near enough to be useful without wasting bits on distant past dates. The choice has no technical significance beyond convention.

How do leap seconds affect epoch time?

Unix epoch time ignores leap seconds. Each Unix day is exactly 86,400 seconds long, even though occasional real days have a leap second inserted. This means Unix time can be up to about 27 seconds behind atomic time (TAI). For most applications, this discrepancy is irrelevant. Only scientific and satellite systems need leap-second accuracy.

What is the maximum epoch value?

For 32-bit signed integers: 2,147,483,647 (January 19, 2038, 03:14:07 UTC). For 64-bit integers: over 9.2 quintillion, which corresponds to a date approximately 292 billion years in the future. Modern systems use 64-bit timestamps, so the 2038 limit applies only to legacy 32-bit systems.

Your data never leaves your browser. 100% client-side processing.