Edit the date and time or pick values using the calendar and clock icons. Results update instantly with every change.

Timestamp (seconds)

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Timestamp (milliseconds)

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Convert Time and Date to Timestamp | Instant & Accurate

Instantly and accurately convert any time and date to a timestamp right from your browser. Our free tool gives you the exact Unix timestamp in both seconds and milliseconds, making it ideal for developers, data analysts, and anyone who needs a universal time reference. Simply enter a date and time to get the machine-readable timestamp you need.

Think of it as a universal clock that computers use. Instead of dealing with confusing timezones (like PST, EST, GMT) or different date formats (like MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD-MM-YYYY), computers can use a single, unambiguous number. This makes it incredibly reliable for logging events, storing data, and performing calculations.

How to Convert a Date and Time to a Timestamp

Our converter is designed for speed and simplicity. Follow these easy steps to get your timestamp in seconds.

Step Action Description

  • Input Your Date Use the calendar picker or type a date in YYYY-MM-DD format. This selects the specific day you want to convert.
  • Input Your Time Enter the exact hour, minute, and second. For maximum precision, our tool supports input down to the second.
  • Use Current Time Press the “Use Current Time” button for a one-click solution. This automatically populates the fields with your current local time, making conversions effortless.
  • Get Your Timestamp Your timestamp is generated instantly in both seconds and milliseconds. Use the “Copy” button to grab the exact value you need for your project.

Why Would You Need to Convert a Date to a Timestamp?

While humans prefer reading dates like “February 21, 2026,” computers work much more efficiently with timestamps. Here are the most common real-world use cases:

For Developers:

  • Storing Dates in a Database: It is a best practice to store timestamps in a database. It ensures all times are standardized, preventing timezone conflicts and simplifying queries.
  • Making API Calls: Many APIs require a start or end date for a query. Sending a timestamp is the most reliable way to ensure the API understands the exact moment you mean.
  • Calculating Durations: Want to know how long a user was active? Subtracting the start timestamp from the end timestamp yields the precise duration in seconds, free of calendar complexities.

For Data Analysts:

  • Sorting Data: When analyzing event logs or user activity, sorting by timestamp is the easiest and most accurate way to order events chronologically.
  • Time-Series Analysis: Timestamps are the foundation of time-series data, allowing you to plot events over time and identify trends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between a timestamp in seconds and milliseconds?
A: A timestamp in seconds is the standard Unix timestamp. A millisecond timestamp is simply 1,000 times more precise, representing the number of milliseconds since the Unix Epoch. It’s often used in systems where sub-second precision is critical.

Q: Is this conversion based on my local time?
A: Yes. When you input a date and time, the tool interprets it based on the timezone set in your browser and operating system. The resulting timestamp, however, is a universal value.

Q: How do I convert a timestamp back to a human-readable date?
A: For this purpose, you can use the home page tool.

Q: Working with server logs or global systems?
A: Server logs are almost always in UTC to maintain a consistent standard. If you are working with data from different systems, you may need a tool specifically for Coordinated Universal Time. Check out our UTC Timestamp Converter for that purpose.