Date to Unix Timestamp Conversion Guide – Easy & Accurate Methods

Created on 10 November, 2025 • Time converter tools • 0 views • 2 minutes read

Learn how to convert any date to a Unix timestamp easily. Explore methods using online tools, Python, JavaScript, and command-line for fast and accurate results.

Converting a date to a Unix timestamp may seem challenging at first. However, with the right understanding, it becomes a simple and useful skill. Whether you are a developer, data analyst, or just a curious learner, knowing how to work with Unix timestamps can make handling time data much easier. This guide will explain everything in a simple and clear way, using easy-to-understand examples and explanations.

What is a Unix Timestamp?

Before diving into conversion, it’s important to understand what a Unix timestamp is. Simply put, a Unix timestamp is the number of seconds that have passed since January 1, 1970, 00:00:00 UTC. This date is known as the Unix epoch.

Example: January 1, 1970, has a timestamp of 0.

Example: January 2, 1970, has a timestamp of 86400, which is the total number of seconds in one day.

Unix timestamps are widely used in programming, databases, and systems because they provide a standard, timezone-independent way to track time.

Why Convert Date to Unix Timestamp?

Converting a date to a Unix timestamp can be very helpful for several reasons:

Consistency: Timestamps allow storing and comparing dates without worrying about time zones.
Simpler calculations: Calculating differences between dates becomes easier using timestamps.
Programming: Many programming languages and APIs require timestamps to handle date and time operations.

Thus, converting a regular date into a Unix timestamp makes your work faster and more reliable.

How to Convert Date to Unix Timestamp

There are multiple ways to convert a date into a Unix timestamp. Let’s discuss some of the most common methods.

1. Using Online Tools

One of the easiest ways to convert dates is by using online tools. You simply input the date and time, and the tool instantly provides the corresponding Unix timestamp. This method is useful if you only need a quick conversion without coding.

2. Using Programming Languages

If you work with programming, you can easily convert dates to timestamps.

Python Example:

import time
import datetime

date_string = "2025-11-10 09:00:00"
dt_object = datetime.datetime.strptime(date_string, "%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S")
unix_timestamp = int(time.mktime(dt_object.timetuple()))
print(unix_timestamp)

JavaScript Example:

let date = new Date("2025-11-10T09:00:00Z");
let timestamp = Math.floor(date.getTime() / 1000);
console.log(timestamp);

As shown, these methods quickly turn human-readable dates into Unix timestamps.

3. Using Command-Line Tools

For developers and system administrators, Unix-based command-line tools are also helpful:

date -d "2025-11-10 09:00:00" +%s

This command outputs the Unix timestamp for the specified date.

Tips for Accurate Conversion

While converting, keep the following in mind:
Always check the time zone of your date input. Timestamps are in UTC.
Use reliable tools or libraries to prevent errors.

Remember that Unix timestamps are in seconds, not milliseconds.

Converting a date to a Unix timestamp is an essential skill for anyone working with time data. It simplifies calculations, ensures consistency across systems, and is widely supported in programming and tools. By using online tools, programming languages, or command-line commands, you can convert dates easily and accurately.