CST is 2 hours ahead of PST all year. So 12:00 PM PDT = 2:00 PM CDT. (Pacific Time is on PDT and Central Time is on CDT for daylight saving time right now.)
PST to CST conversion table
| PST / PDT | CST / CDT |
|---|---|
| 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 | 12:00 AM +1 day |
| 11:00 PM | 1:00 AM +1 day |
PST and CST difference through 2027
The gap between the two zones on each date range, including daylight saving time changes:
| Dates | Pacific Time | Central Time | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 30, 2026 – Oct 31, 2026 | PDT (UTC−7) | CDT (UTC−5) | CST 2 hours ahead |
| Nov 1, 2026 – Mar 13, 2027 | PST (UTC−8) | CST (UTC−6) | CST 2 hours ahead |
| Mar 14, 2027 – Nov 6, 2027 | PDT (UTC−7) | CDT (UTC−5) | CST 2 hours ahead |
| Nov 7, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027 | PST (UTC−8) | CST (UTC−6) | CST 2 hours ahead |
Best time to meet or call
- Working hours (9 AM–5 PM) overlap from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM PST (11:00 AM–5:00 PM CST), about 6 hours.
About Pacific Time (PST)
Pacific Time uses PST (UTC−8) in winter and PDT (UTC−7) during daylight saving time. It's used in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Portland, Las Vegas and Vancouver.
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 PST in CST?
12:00 PM PDT is 2:00 PM CDT.
How many hours ahead or behind is CST from PST?
CST is 2 hours ahead of PST, all year.
Does PST change for daylight saving time?
Yes. Pacific Time uses PST (UTC−8) in winter and PDT (UTC−7) during daylight saving time.
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 PST and CST?
Right now, working hours overlap from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM PST (11:00 AM–5:00 PM CST), about 6 hours.
Is it PST or PDT right now?
Pacific Time uses PST in winter and PDT 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 PST (reverse)
- PST to EST
- EST to CST
- PST to MST
- MST to CST
- PST to IST
- IST to CST
- PST to GMT
- PST 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.