EST to CST Time Converter
Central Standard Time (CST) is currently 1 hour behind Eastern Standard Time (EST). EST is UTC-5 and CST is UTC-6. 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 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM in EST, which is 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM in CST.
Comparing more than two places? The Overlap Zones tool shows working hours for several cities on one grid.
Hour by Hour: EST to CST
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?
EST and CST are fixed offsets, so the difference between them never changes.
EST is UTC-5, used across eastern North America in winter. The same region switches to EDT (UTC-4) from March to November.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours behind is CST compared to EST?
CST is currently 1 hour behind EST. EST and CST are fixed offsets, so the difference between them never changes.
What time is 9:00 AM in EST in CST?
9:00 AM in EST is 8:00 AM in CST.
What is the best time for a call between EST and CST?
Both sides are inside 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM office hours between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM in EST, which is 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM in CST.