strftime Output Calculator
Preview the output of strftime date/time formatting strings in real-time.
Formatted Output
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How to Use
- Type your strftime format string into the input field
- The formatted current time will appear instantly below
- Click any example button to try common format patterns
Dates
- %a - Abbreviated weekday name (“Sun”)
- %A - Full weekday name (“Sunday”)
- %b - Abbreviated month name (“Jan”)
- %B - Full month name (“January”)
- %d - Day of the month (01..31)
- %e - Day of the month without leading zero (1..31)
- %j - Day of the year (001..366)
- %m - Month of the year (01..12)
- %U - Week number, Sunday-based (00..53)
- %W - Week number, Monday-based (00..53)
- %w - Day of the week (Sunday is 0, 0..6)
- %x - Preferred date representation
- %y - Year without century (00..99)
- %Y - Year with century
Times
- %H - Hour, 24-hour clock (00..23)
- %I - Hour, 12-hour clock (01..12)
- %l - Hour, 12-hour clock, no leading zero (1..12)
- %M - Minute (00..59)
- %N - Fractional seconds digits
- %P - Meridian indicator (“am” or “pm”)
- %p - Meridian indicator (“AM” or “PM”)
- %S - Second (00..60)
- %X - Preferred time representation
- %Z - Time zone name
Misc
- %c - Preferred local date and time representation
- %% - Literal “%” character
About strftime Output Calculator
Working with date formatting in programming can be tedious and error-prone. Our strftime Output Calculator eliminates the guesswork by showing you exactly how your format string will render in real-time, saving you countless debugging cycles when implementing date displays in your applications.
The Date Formatting Challenge
Developers frequently struggle with strftime syntax across different programming languages. The cryptic percent codes (%Y, %m, %d) are difficult to memorize, and a single misplaced character can produce unexpected outputs. Most developers resort to repeatedly testing code changes or searching through documentation, breaking their workflow. Existing references typically show static examples that don’t demonstrate how formats render with the current date and time, forcing developers to mentally translate patterns into real outputs.
Benefits
- Instant Visualization: See exactly how your date/time format will appear without writing and running test code
- Time-Saving: Choose from pre-configured common formats or create custom patterns with immediate feedback
- Error Reduction: Quickly identify and fix formatting issues before implementing in production code
- Comprehensive Format Support: Access all standard strftime codes including dates, times, and timezone formatting
Perfect for Developers and Content Managers
This tool serves both front-end and back-end developers implementing date/time displays in applications, as well as content managers configuring CMS templates. It’s especially valuable when working with international date formats or when precise time representation matters in logs, databases, or user interfaces. Whether you’re building a dynamic event calendar or formatting timestamps for a global user base, this strftime formatter ensures your date strings display exactly as intended.
Real-Life Applications
Log File Standardization
Generate consistent timestamp formats for application logs, making them easier to parse and analyze across systems.
User-Friendly Date Displays
Create readable date formats for user interfaces that follow regional conventions without multiple test deployments.
Data Export Configuration
Preview exactly how dates will appear in CSV or database exports to ensure compatibility with other systems.
FAQ
What is strftime?
strftime is a function found in many programming languages that converts date and time values into formatted strings using percent codes (like %Y for year).
Which format codes are supported?
All standard strftime codes are supported, including date components (%d, %m, %Y), time elements (%H, %M, %S), and localization options (%a, %A, %b, %B).
Can I see how the format will look in different timezones?
The tool displays results in your current timezone. The %Z format code will show your local timezone abbreviation.
How often does the preview update?
The formatted output updates in real-time as you type and refreshes every second to keep the time current.
Can I use this for different programming languages?
Yes, the strftime format is relatively standard across many languages including Python, Ruby, PHP, and C. Small variations may exist between implementations.
Working with date formatting in programming can be tedious and error-prone. Our strftime Output Calculator eliminates the guesswork by showing you exactly how your format string will render in real-time, saving you countless debugging cycles when implementing date displays in your applications.
The Date Formatting Challenge
Developers frequently struggle with strftime syntax across different programming languages. The cryptic percent codes (%Y, %m, %d) are difficult to memorize, and a single misplaced character can produce unexpected outputs. Most developers resort to repeatedly testing code changes or searching through documentation, breaking their workflow. Existing references typically show static examples that don’t demonstrate how formats render with the current date and time, forcing developers to mentally translate patterns into real outputs.
Benefits
- Instant Visualization: See exactly how your date/time format will appear without writing and running test code
- Time-Saving: Choose from pre-configured common formats or create custom patterns with immediate feedback
- Error Reduction: Quickly identify and fix formatting issues before implementing in production code
- Comprehensive Format Support: Access all standard strftime codes including dates, times, and timezone formatting
Perfect for Developers and Content Managers
This tool serves both front-end and back-end developers implementing date/time displays in applications, as well as content managers configuring CMS templates. It’s especially valuable when working with international date formats or when precise time representation matters in logs, databases, or user interfaces. Whether you’re building a dynamic event calendar or formatting timestamps for a global user base, this strftime formatter ensures your date strings display exactly as intended.
Real-Life Applications
Log File Standardization
Generate consistent timestamp formats for application logs, making them easier to parse and analyze across systems.
User-Friendly Date Displays
Create readable date formats for user interfaces that follow regional conventions without multiple test deployments.
Data Export Configuration
Preview exactly how dates will appear in CSV or database exports to ensure compatibility with other systems.
FAQ
What is strftime?
strftime is a function found in many programming languages that converts date and time values into formatted strings using percent codes (like %Y for year).
Which format codes are supported?
All standard strftime codes are supported, including date components (%d, %m, %Y), time elements (%H, %M, %S), and localization options (%a, %A, %b, %B).
Can I see how the format will look in different timezones?
The tool displays results in your current timezone. The %Z format code will show your local timezone abbreviation.
How often does the preview update?
The formatted output updates in real-time as you type and refreshes every second to keep the time current.
Can I use this for different programming languages?
Yes, the strftime format is relatively standard across many languages including Python, Ruby, PHP, and C. Small variations may exist between implementations.