Coordinated Universal Time is 4 hours ahead of Eastern Time right now (until Oct 31, 2026); the gap changes to 5 hours when clocks change for daylight saving time. So 12:00 PM EDT = 4:00 PM UTC at the moment. (Eastern Time is on EDT for daylight saving time right now.)
EST to UTC conversion table
| EST | UTC when EST is EDT | UTC when EST is EST |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 AM | 4:00 AM | 5:00 AM |
| 1:00 AM | 5:00 AM | 6:00 AM |
| 2:00 AM | 6:00 AM | 7:00 AM |
| 3:00 AM | 7:00 AM | 8:00 AM |
| 4:00 AM | 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM |
| 5:00 AM | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM |
| 6:00 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:00 AM |
| 7:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
| 8:00 AM | 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| 9:00 AM | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM |
| 10:00 AM | 2:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 11:00 AM | 3:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| 1:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| 2:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 3:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| 4:00 PM | 8:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| 5:00 PM | 9:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| 6:00 PM | 10:00 PM | 11:00 PM |
| 7:00 PM | 11:00 PM | 12:00 AM +1 day |
| 8:00 PM | 12:00 AM +1 day | 1:00 AM +1 day |
| 9:00 PM | 1:00 AM +1 day | 2:00 AM +1 day |
| 10:00 PM | 2:00 AM +1 day | 3:00 AM +1 day |
| 11:00 PM | 3:00 AM +1 day | 4:00 AM +1 day |
EST and UTC difference through 2027
The gap between the two zones on each date range, including daylight saving time changes:
| Dates | Eastern Time | Coordinated Universal Time | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 30, 2026 – Oct 31, 2026 | EDT (UTC−4) | UTC (UTC+0) | UTC 4 hours ahead |
| Nov 1, 2026 – Mar 13, 2027 | EST (UTC−5) | UTC (UTC+0) | UTC 5 hours ahead |
| Mar 14, 2027 – Nov 6, 2027 | EDT (UTC−4) | UTC (UTC+0) | UTC 4 hours ahead |
| Nov 7, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027 | EST (UTC−5) | UTC (UTC+0) | UTC 5 hours ahead |
Best time to meet or call
- When UTC is 4 hours ahead of EST: Working hours (9 AM–5 PM) overlap from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM EST (1:00 PM–5:00 PM UTC), about 4 hours.
- When UTC is 5 hours ahead of EST: Working hours (9 AM–5 PM) overlap from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM EST (2:00 PM–5:00 PM UTC), about 3 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 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
UTC is the world's reference time. It never changes for daylight saving time, which makes it the safest zone for scheduling across countries. It's used in Aviation, shipping, computer servers, science and international standards.
Frequently asked questions
What time is 12 PM EST in UTC?
12:00 PM EDT is 4:00 PM UTC right now (Sep 30, 2026 to Oct 31, 2026). The answer changes when either zone changes its clocks for daylight saving time.
How many hours ahead or behind is UTC from EST?
Currently 4 hours ahead of EST. During the year the difference is 4 hours ahead of EST or 5 hours ahead of EST, depending on daylight saving time. See the table on this page for exact dates.
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 UTC change for daylight saving time?
No. UTC is the world's reference time. It never changes for daylight saving time, which makes it the safest zone for scheduling across countries.
What is the best time for a call between EST and UTC?
Right now, working hours overlap from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM EST (1:00 PM–5:00 PM UTC), about 4 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
- UTC to EST (reverse)
- EST to PST
- EST to CST
- EST to MST
- EST to IST
- IST to UTC
- EST to GMT
- PST to UTC
- EST to CET
- 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.