EST to CST Converter – Convert Eastern Time to Central Time
Need the Full Toolkit?
These free tools are one click away on our home page
Complete EST ↔ CST Conversion Table
All 24 hours · Both DST seasons · Best meeting windows marked ★
| EST Time | CST Time UTC−5 → UTC−6 (−1h, constant) |
|---|---|
| 12:00 AM (midnight) | prev 11:00 PM |
| 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 (noon) | ★ 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 |
What is the time difference between EST and CST?
CST is 1 hour behind EST. Both regions observe Daylight Saving Time, so the gap stays close to 1 hour year-round. 9:00 AM EST = 8:00 AM CST. 12:00 PM EST = 11:00 AM CST. 5:00 PM EST = 4:00 PM CST.
What is the best time to call from New York to Chicago?
The business hours overlap between EST and CST runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM CST). Scheduling calls in this window keeps both sides within normal working hours.
Frequently Asked Questions about EST and CST
CST is 1 hour behind EST, so to convert mentally, subtract 1 hour to your EST time. For example: 9:00 AM EST = 8:00 AM CST. Our converter automatically adjusts for Daylight Saving Time so you always get the right result.
CST (Central Standard Time, UTC-6) is 1 hour behind EST (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-5) during standard time. For example, 9:00 AM EST = 8:00 AM CST. 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 10:00–17:00 EST = 09:00–16:00 CST. 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. EST (Eastern Standard Time) observes Daylight Saving Time. Clocks spring forward to EDT (UTC-4) on the second Sunday in March, and fall back to EST on the first Sunday in November. During the DST period, the difference with CST changes by 1 hour. Our converter always uses the current offset for the date you select.
Major cities in the EST (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-5) timezone include: New York, Boston, Miami, Atlanta, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Toronto. These cities switch to EDT (UTC-4) from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.
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.
CST is 1 hour behind EST. The best overlap for business hours is 10:00–17:00 EST = 09:00–16:00 CST. Always include both local times in calendar invites (for example, "2:00 PM EST / 1:00 PM CST CST"). 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