CST to EST Time Converter
Eastern Standard Time (EST) is currently 1 hour ahead of Central Standard Time (CST). CST is UTC-6 and EST is UTC-5. The table below converts every hour of the day between the two, and the call planner shows where working hours line up.
Best Time for a Call
Both sides are inside 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM office hours between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM in CST, which is 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in EST.
Comparing more than two places? The Overlap Zones tool shows working hours for several cities on one grid.
Hour by Hour: CST to EST
Rows marked office hours fall between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM in both places. For a specific date, use the interactive converter.
Does the Difference Change During the Year?
CST and EST are fixed offsets, so the difference between them never changes.
This page covers North American Central Standard Time, UTC-6. The region switches to CDT (UTC-5) in summer. CST can also refer to China Standard Time, which is UTC+8.
EST is UTC-5, used across eastern North America in winter. The same region switches to EDT (UTC-4) from March to November.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours ahead is EST compared to CST?
EST is currently 1 hour ahead of CST. CST and EST are fixed offsets, so the difference between them never changes.
What time is 9:00 AM in CST in EST?
9:00 AM in CST is 10:00 AM in EST.
What is the best time for a call between CST and EST?
Both sides are inside 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM office hours between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM in CST, which is 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in EST.