CST is 1 hour behind EST all year. So 12:00 PM EDT = 11:00 AM CDT. (Eastern Time is on EDT and Central Time is on CDT for daylight saving time right now.)
EST to CST conversion table
| EST / EDT | CST / CDT |
|---|---|
| 12:00 AM | 11:00 PM −1 day |
| 1:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
| 2:00 AM | 1:00 AM |
| 3:00 AM | 2:00 AM |
| 4:00 AM | 3:00 AM |
| 5:00 AM | 4:00 AM |
| 6:00 AM | 5:00 AM |
| 7:00 AM | 6:00 AM |
| 8:00 AM | 7:00 AM |
| 9:00 AM | 8:00 AM |
| 10:00 AM | 9:00 AM |
| 11:00 AM | 10:00 AM |
| 12:00 PM | 11:00 AM |
| 1:00 PM | 12:00 PM |
| 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| 3:00 PM | 2:00 PM |
| 4:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 5:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| 6:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| 8:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 9:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| 10:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| 11:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
EST and CST difference through 2027
The gap between the two zones on each date range, including daylight saving time changes:
| Dates | Eastern Time | Central Time | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 30, 2026 – Oct 31, 2026 | EDT (UTC−4) | CDT (UTC−5) | CST 1 hour behind |
| Nov 1, 2026 – Mar 13, 2027 | EST (UTC−5) | CST (UTC−6) | CST 1 hour behind |
| Mar 14, 2027 – Nov 6, 2027 | EDT (UTC−4) | CDT (UTC−5) | CST 1 hour behind |
| Nov 7, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027 | EST (UTC−5) | CST (UTC−6) | CST 1 hour behind |
Best time to meet or call
- Working hours (9 AM–5 PM) overlap from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM EST (9:00 AM–4:00 PM CST), about 7 hours.
About Eastern Time (EST)
The Eastern time zone uses EST (UTC−5) in winter and EDT (UTC−4) during daylight saving time, from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. It's used in New York, Washington DC, Boston, Atlanta, Miami, Detroit and Toronto.
About Central Time (CST)
Central Time uses CST (UTC−6) in winter and CDT (UTC−5) during daylight saving time. It's used in Chicago, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, New Orleans, Minneapolis and Winnipeg.
Frequently asked questions
What time is 12 PM EST in CST?
12:00 PM EDT is 11:00 AM CDT.
How many hours ahead or behind is CST from EST?
CST is 1 hour behind EST, all year.
Does EST change for daylight saving time?
Yes. The Eastern time zone uses EST (UTC−5) in winter and EDT (UTC−4) during daylight saving time, from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.
Does CST change for daylight saving time?
Yes. Central Time uses CST (UTC−6) in winter and CDT (UTC−5) during daylight saving time.
What is the best time for a call between EST and CST?
Right now, working hours overlap from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM EST (9:00 AM–4:00 PM CST), about 7 hours.
Is it EST or EDT right now?
Eastern Time uses EST in winter and EDT from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. The live clock on this page shows which one applies today.
More time zone conversions
- CST to EST (reverse)
- EST to PST
- EST to MST
- PST to CST
- MST to CST
- EST to IST
- IST to CST
- EST to GMT
- EST to UTC
- All time zones
Sources
Reviewed by Gurmej Singh, Founder, Divy Digital Hub · Last reviewed: Wednesday, September 30, 2026. All calculations run in your browser. Editorial policy.