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CST to PST Converter – Convert Central Time to Pacific Time

Select your time and date, then see the conversion instantly
Example: When it's 9:00 AM in CST, it's:
7:00 AMPST (UTC-8)
PST is 2 hours behind CST during standard time.
Same-day example conversion

Quick Reference: PST is 2 hours behind CST (times remain proportional during daylight saving).

Common CST to PST Conversions:
00:00 CST = 22:00 PST (prev day) | 06:00 CST = 04:00 PST | 09:00 CST = 07:00 PST | 12:00 CST = 10:00 PST | 15:00 CST = 13:00 PST | 18:00 CST = 16:00 PST

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Time Offset
−2h
Offset constant - both zones observe DST together
Date Line Crossover
Before 2:00 AM CST
PST shows the previous calendar day
Daylight Saving
CST: Mar–Nov
PST: Mar–Nov
Best Meeting Window
11:00 AM–5:00 PM CST
= 9:00 AM–3:00 PM PST

Complete CST ↔ PST Conversion Table

All 24 hours · Both DST seasons · Best meeting windows marked ★

Best overlap Next day in PST
CST Time PST Time  UTC−6 → UTC−8  (−2h, constant)
12:00 AM (midnight)prev 10:00 PM
1:00 AMprev 11:00 PM
2:00 AM12:00 AM
3:00 AM1:00 AM
4:00 AM2:00 AM
5:00 AM3:00 AM
6:00 AM4:00 AM
7:00 AM5:00 AM
8:00 AM6:00 AM
9:00 AM7:00 AM
10:00 AM8:00 AM
11:00 AM 9:00 AM
12:00 PM (noon) 10:00 AM
1:00 PM 11:00 AM
2:00 PM 12:00 PM
3:00 PM 1:00 PM
4:00 PM 2:00 PM
5:00 PM3:00 PM
6:00 PM4:00 PM
7:00 PM5:00 PM
8:00 PM6:00 PM
9:00 PM7:00 PM
10:00 PM8:00 PM
11:00 PM9:00 PM
Best overlap: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM CST / = 9:00 AM–3:00 PM PST

What is the time difference between CST and PST?

PST is 2 hours behind CST. Both regions observe Daylight Saving Time, so the gap stays close to 2 hours year-round. 9:00 AM CST = 7:00 AM PST. 12:00 PM CST = 10:00 AM PST. 5:00 PM CST = 3:00 PM PST.

What is the best time to call from Chicago to Los Angeles?

The business hours overlap between CST and PST runs from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM PST). Scheduling calls in this window keeps both sides within normal working hours.

Frequently Asked Questions about CST and PST

PST is 2 hours behind CST, so to convert mentally, subtract 2 hours to your CST time. For example: 9:00 AM CST = 7:00 AM PST. Our converter automatically adjusts for Daylight Saving Time so you always get the right result.

PST (Pacific Standard Time, UTC-8) is 2 hours behind CST (Central Standard Time, UTC-6) during standard time. For example, 9:00 AM CST = 7:00 AM PST. During DST periods, this difference changes by 1 hour when one or both zones observe Daylight Saving Time - our converter automatically applies the correct offset for any date you select.

The best overlap for standard business hours (9 AM–5 PM) in both zones is 11:00–17:00 CST = 09:00–15:00 PST. Schedule recurring calls in this window to keep both sides within normal working hours. Remember to re-check the window in March and November (or March/October for European zones) when DST transitions can shift the overlap by 1 hour.

Yes. CST (Central Standard Time) observes Daylight Saving Time. Clocks spring forward to CDT (UTC-5) on the second Sunday in March, and fall back to CST on the first Sunday in November. During the DST period, the difference with PST changes by 1 hour. Our converter always uses the current offset for the date you select.

Major cities in the CST (Central Standard Time, UTC-6) timezone include: Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, Kansas City, New Orleans, Winnipeg. These cities switch to CDT (UTC-5) from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.

Major cities in the PST (Pacific Standard Time, UTC-8) timezone include: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Las Vegas, Vancouver. These cities switch to PDT (UTC-7) from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.

PST is 2 hours behind CST. The best overlap for business hours is 11:00–17:00 CST = 09:00–15:00 PST. Always include both local times in calendar invites (for example, "2:00 PM CST / 12:00 PM PST PST"). Double-check around March and November (or March/October for European zones) when DST transitions can shift the offset by 1 hour. For full scheduling guidance, see our international meeting times guide.

Need more help? Check our complete FAQ section.

View Complete FAQ
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