# TTL












Returns the remaining time to live of a key that has a timeout.
This introspection capability allows a Redis client to check how many seconds a
given key will continue to be part of the dataset.

In Redis 2.6 or older the command returns `-1` if the key does not exist or if the key exists but has no associated expire.

Starting with Redis 2.8 the return value in case of error changed:

* The command returns `-2` if the key does not exist.
* The command returns `-1` if the key exists but has no associated expire.

See also the [`PTTL`](http://redis.io/docs/latest/commands/pttl) command that returns the same information with milliseconds resolution (Only available in Redis 2.6 or greater).

## Examples


> SET mykey "Hello"
"OK"
> EXPIRE mykey 10
(integer) 1
> TTL mykey
(integer) 10


Give these commands a try in the interactive console:


SET mykey "Hello"
EXPIRE mykey 10
TTL mykey


## Return information

{{< multitabs id="ttl-return-info" 
    tab1="RESP2" 
    tab2="RESP3" >}}

One of the following:
* [Integer reply](../../develop/reference/protocol-spec#integers): TTL in seconds.
* [Integer reply](../../develop/reference/protocol-spec#integers): `-1` if the key exists but has no associated expiration.
* [Integer reply](../../develop/reference/protocol-spec#integers): `-2` if the key does not exist.

-tab-sep-

One of the following:
* [Integer reply](../../develop/reference/protocol-spec#integers): TTL in seconds.
* [Integer reply](../../develop/reference/protocol-spec#integers): `-1` if the key exists but has no associated expiration.
* [Integer reply](../../develop/reference/protocol-spec#integers): `-2` if the key does not exist.