1. What is a Unix timestamp?
A Unix timestamp (also called epoch time) is the number of seconds that have elapsed since January 1, 1970, 00:00:00 UTC. This date is known as the Unix epoch. For example, the timestamp 1735171200 represents December 26, 2024, 00:00:00 UTC.
2. What's the difference between epoch time and Unix time?
Epoch time and Unix time refer to the same thing - both count seconds since January 1, 1970, 00:00:00 UTC. "Epoch" refers to the starting point (the Unix epoch), while "Unix time" refers to the time system itself.
3. Should I use seconds or milliseconds for timestamps?
Standard Unix timestamps use seconds (10 digits for current dates). However, JavaScript and some systems use milliseconds (13 digits). Our converter automatically detects and handles both formats.
4. How do timezones work with Unix timestamps?
Unix timestamps are always in UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). When converting to human-readable dates, you specify the timezone for display. The timestamp itself remains timezone-independent.
5. Why use Unix timestamps instead of date strings?
Unix timestamps are universal, sortable, and avoid timezone confusion. They're perfect for databases, APIs, and cross-platform applications because they represent an absolute point in time.
6. When would I use the timestamp calculator?
Use the timestamp calculator to find future or past dates from a known timestamp. Common uses include setting JWT expiration times, calculating database cleanup dates, or scheduling future events.
7. How accurate are the conversions?
Our conversions use the Luxon library, which provides precise timezone calculations and handles daylight saving time transitions, leap years, and other calendar complexities automatically.
8. What are the keyboard shortcuts?
EpochMath supports vim-style navigation: numbers 1-5 navigate between tools, "n" inserts current time, "p" pastes from clipboard, "cc" copies timestamps, and "?" shows help. Press Escape to exit inputs.
9. Does EpochMath work on mobile devices?
Yes! EpochMath is fully responsive and works on smartphones and tablets. While keyboard shortcuts are desktop-optimized, all conversion tools work perfectly on touch devices.
10. Is there an API for programmatic access?
Currently, EpochMath is a web-based tool. For programmatic timestamp conversion, we recommend using native language libraries like JavaScript's Date object, Python's datetime, or specialized libraries like Luxon.
11. Do you store my timestamp data?
No, all conversions happen in your browser. We don't store, log, or transmit any timestamp data you enter. The tool works completely offline after the initial page load.
12. What are some common timestamp values?
Unix epoch start: 0 (Jan 1, 1970). Y2K: 946684800 (Jan 1, 2000). Current time is approximately 1730000000+ (as of 2024). JavaScript often uses milliseconds, so multiply by 1000.
13. What is your privacy policy?
EpochMath.com is designed with privacy in mind. We do not collect, store, or transmit any timestamp data you enter - all conversions happen locally in your browser. We use Google Analytics to understand site usage patterns (anonymous page views, button clicks, and general usage statistics). No personal information is collected or stored. You can use the site completely offline after the initial page load.