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PST to CST Converter – Convert Pacific Time to Central Time

Select your time and date, then see the conversion instantly
Example: When it's 9:00 AM in PST, it's:
11:00 AMCST (UTC-6)
CST is 2 hours ahead of PST during standard time.
Same-day example conversion

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

Common PST to CST Conversions:
00:00 PST = 02:00 CST | 06:00 PST = 08:00 CST | 09:00 PST = 11:00 CST | 12:00 PST = 14:00 CST | 15:00 PST = 17:00 CST | 18:00 PST = 20:00 CST

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Time Offset
+2h
Offset constant - both zones observe DST together
Date Line Crossover
After 10:00 PM PST
CST moves to the next calendar day
Daylight Saving
PST: Mar–Nov
CST: Mar–Nov
Best Meeting Window
9:00 AM–3:00 PM PST
= 11:00 AM–5:00 PM CST

Complete PST ↔ CST Conversion Table

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

Best overlap Next day in CST
PST Time CST Time  UTC−8 → UTC−6  (+2h, constant)
12:00 AM (midnight)2:00 AM
1:00 AM3:00 AM
2:00 AM4:00 AM
3:00 AM5:00 AM
4:00 AM6:00 AM
5:00 AM7:00 AM
6:00 AM8:00 AM
7:00 AM9:00 AM
8:00 AM10:00 AM
9:00 AM 11:00 AM
10:00 AM 12:00 PM
11:00 AM 1:00 PM
12:00 PM (noon) 2:00 PM
1:00 PM 3:00 PM
2:00 PM 4:00 PM
3:00 PM5:00 PM
4:00 PM6:00 PM
5:00 PM7:00 PM
6:00 PM8:00 PM
7:00 PM9:00 PM
8:00 PM10:00 PM
9:00 PM11:00 PM
10:00 PM+1 12:00 AM
11:00 PM+1 1:00 AM
Best overlap: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM PST / = 11:00 AM–5:00 PM CST +1 These times fall on the following calendar day

What is the time difference between PST and CST?

CST is 2 hours ahead of PST. Both regions observe Daylight Saving Time, so the gap stays close to 2 hours year-round. 9:00 AM PST = 11:00 AM CST. 12:00 PM PST = 2:00 PM CST. 5:00 PM PST = 7:00 PM CST.

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions about PST and CST

CST is 2 hours ahead of PST, so to convert mentally, add 2 hours to your PST time. For example: 9:00 AM PST = 11:00 AM CST. Our converter automatically adjusts for Daylight Saving Time so you always get the right result.

CST (Central Standard Time, UTC-6) is 2 hours ahead of PST (Pacific Standard Time, UTC-8) during standard time. For example, 9:00 AM PST = 11:00 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 09:00–15:00 PST = 11:00–17:00 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. PST (Pacific Standard Time) observes Daylight Saving Time. Clocks spring forward to PDT (UTC-7) on the second Sunday in March, and fall back to PST 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 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.

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 2 hours ahead of PST. The best overlap for business hours is 09:00–15:00 PST = 11:00–17:00 CST. Always include both local times in calendar invites (for example, "2:00 PM PST / 4:00 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.

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