Convert DateTime to Unix Timestamp with MarketXLS

The MarketXLS “fn_00574” or DateTimeToUnixTimestamp function empowers you to convert standard date and time values into Unix timestamps directly in Excel. This is especially useful for scenarios like synchronizing data across different software platforms, performing time-series conversions, or creating time-based market analyses. With a single parameter input of a valid DateTime, you can derive a numerical Unix timestamp—representing the number of seconds since January 1, 1970 (UTC)—and seamlessly integrate it into your workbooks and trading models.

Why Use This Function?

• Easily integrate time-based data: Quickly convert dates and times into a universal format recognized by most systems.
• Support cross-platform compatibility: Align Excel-based timestamps with databases, APIs, or tools that rely on Unix epoch time.
• Streamline analytics: Simplify time-series calculations and comparisons by using a consistent numerical reference.
• Enhance accuracy: Ensure that all timestamps are converted relative to the UTC standard, minimizing timezone calculation errors.
• Ideal for real-world finance scenarios: Employed in market data tracking, backtesting, and advanced trading analytics.

How to Use in Excel

=DateTimeToUnixTimestamp(dateTime)

1. Select a cell in Excel where you want the Unix timestamp to appear.
2. Type “=DateTimeToUnixTimestamp(” and reference the cell containing your date/time value or manually type it in double quotes.
3. Press Enter.
4. The cell will display a double value representing the Unix timestamp for the provided date/time.

Parameters Explained

(Note: This function only requires one parameter—the dateTime itself.)

Example Usage

Basic Examples

1. Convert a specific date/time to Unix Timestamp:

   • Suppose cell A2 contains the date “1/2/1970 00:00:00”.
   • In cell B2, enter:
     =DateTimeToUnixTimestamp(A2)
   • The result would be 86400, which is the number of seconds since 1/1/1970 at 00:00:00 UTC.

2. Converting a more recent date:

   • If cell A3 contains “7/1/2023 14:30:00”.
   • In cell B3, enter:
     =DateTimeToUnixTimestamp(A3)
   • You’ll get the Unix timestamp for that local date/time converted into UTC.

Advanced Scenarios

• Integrating with market data: Use the Unix timestamp to align external API data feeds that often rely on Unix epoch times.
• Historical analytics: Convert past market close times stored in Excel to Unix timestamps for consistent analysis across different platforms.
• Combining with other Excel formulas: For instance, use the returned Unix timestamp as a key for VLOOKUP or XLOOKUP to match data sourced from APIs or CSV logs that store time in epoch form.
• Trading strategy timestamps: If you log trade entries and exits in Excel, convert them into Unix timestamps to precisely compare them with exchange data or backtesting systems requiring epoch format.

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

• Why am I getting a negative value?

  • If the provided date/time is before January 1, 1970 (UTC), the function calculates a negative timestamp to reflect the time prior to Unix epoch start.

• How do timezones affect the result?

  • The function automatically converts the provided time to UTC before computing the timestamp. If your machine is set to a different timezone, the correct alignment still occurs because of the UTC conversion.

• What if I need milliseconds instead of seconds?

  • This function returns Unix timestamps in seconds. You can multiply the result by 1000 if you require milliseconds for certain integrations or data sources.

• Is there a limit to the date/time range?

  • Generally, dates in .NET range from year 1 to 9999, but extremely large or invalid dates may result in unexpected values or errors.

By mastering the DateTimeToUnixTimestamp function, you gain precision and flexibility in your time-dependent analytics. Whether you’re creating advanced trading dashboards or streamlining data sync operations, this MarketXLS function provides a convenient and reliable approach to converting date and time values into the universally recognized Unix timestamp format.