---
title: "dateWithTimeIntervalSince1970:"
framework: foundation
role: symbol
role_heading: Type Method
path: "foundation/nsdate/datewithtimeintervalsince1970:"
---

# dateWithTimeIntervalSince1970:

Creates and returns a date object set to the given number of seconds from 00:00:00 UTC on 1 January 1970.

## Declaration

```occ
+ (instancetype) dateWithTimeIntervalSince1970:(NSTimeInterval) secs;
```

## Parameters

- `secs`: The number of seconds from the reference date (00:00:00 UTC on 1 January 1970) for the new date. Use a negative argument to specify a date and time before the reference date.

## Return Value

Return Value An NSDate object set to secs seconds from the reference date.

## Discussion

Discussion This method is useful for creating NSDate objects from time_t values returned by BSD system functions.

## See Also

### Related Documentation

- [timeIntervalSince1970](foundation/nsdate/timeintervalsince1970.md)

### Creating a Date

- [date](foundation/nsdate/date.md)
- [dateWithTimeIntervalSinceNow:](foundation/nsdate/datewithtimeintervalsincenow:.md)
- [dateWithTimeIntervalSinceReferenceDate:](foundation/nsdate/datewithtimeintervalsincereferencedate:.md)