EST to CST Converter – Convert Eastern Time to Central Time

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.