Definition
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the worldwide time standard used for synchronization. UTC does not change with time zones or daylight saving time.
Local time is the time used in a specific region. Local time is calculated from UTC by applying a time zone offset, and optionally daylight saving rules.
Why many systems use UTC
- UTC is unambiguous and consistent across locations.
- It prevents confusion when systems span multiple time zones.
- Logs and audit records are easier to correlate when recorded in UTC.
Common examples
If your local time zone is UTC-6, then local time is six hours behind UTC (except when daylight saving time is in effect). A device can keep time internally in UTC while displaying or outputting either UTC or local time, depending on configuration.
Related articles
Article ID: KB-TIME-003
KB Version: