CET vs. GMT — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on January 2, 2024
CET is Central European Time, 1 hour ahead of GMT. GMT is Greenwich Mean Time, the time at the Prime Meridian.
Difference Between CET and GMT
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
CET (Central European Time) and GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) are both time zones. CET is used by many countries in Europe, whereas GMT is a time standard based on the line of longitude running through Greenwich, London.
GMT serves as a world time standard. In contrast, CET is specific to Central Europe, where it is used as standard time in winter and changes to CEST (Central European Summer Time) during summer.
CET is always 1 hour ahead of GMT. This means when it is 12:00 noon in GMT, it is 1:00 PM in CET. This difference remains consistent throughout the year.
GMT does not change for Daylight Saving Time. On the other hand, CET switches to CEST, which is 2 hours ahead of GMT, during Daylight Saving Time.
GMT is used by various countries globally for their standard time. CET is predominantly used in Europe, influencing the daily routines of countries within this time zone.
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Comparison Chart
Full Name
Central European Time
Greenwich Mean Time
UTC Offset
UTC+1
UTC±0
Region
Europe
Worldwide
DST Change
Changes to CEST (UTC+2)
No change
Usage
Standard time in winter
Time standard and winter time in some regions
Compare with Definitions
CET
CET is the standard time in several European countries during winter.
Germany operates on CET during the winter months.
GMT
GMT is a time standard at the Prime Meridian.
GMT is used to set time worldwide.
CET
CET stands for Central European Time.
The webinar starts at 10 AM CET.
GMT
GMT is used as standard time by several countries.
UK follows GMT during the winter.
CET
CET shifts to CEST in summer, for Daylight Saving Time.
Clocks in CET regions will move forward for Daylight Saving Time.
GMT
GMT has no offset from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
GMT and UTC are essentially the same.
CET
CET is a time zone used in Central Europe.
The meeting is scheduled at 3 PM CET.
GMT
GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time.
The historic observatory in Greenwich defines GMT.
CET
CET is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
When it's noon GMT, it's 1 PM CET.
GMT
GMT is used in aviation for scheduling.
Flight times are often scheduled in GMT.
GMT
The local time at the 0 meridian passing through Greenwich, England; it is the same everywhere
Common Curiosities
What does CET stand for?
CET stands for Central European Time.
What is the main use of GMT?
GMT is used as a world time standard.
Is GMT affected by Daylight Saving Time?
No, GMT does not change for Daylight Saving Time.
Does CET observe Daylight Saving Time?
Yes, CET changes to CEST during summer.
How far is CET from GMT?
CET is 1 hour ahead of GMT.
What region primarily uses CET?
Central Europe primarily uses CET.
Is GMT used for navigation?
Yes, GMT is important in navigation and aviation.
Does the UK use CET?
No, the UK uses GMT in winter and BST (British Summer Time) in summer.
What is the UTC offset for CET?
The UTC offset for CET is UTC+1.
Can CET and GMT be used interchangeably?
No, they represent different time zones.
Why is GMT important in timekeeping?
GMT serves as a reference point for time zones worldwide.
What is the UTC offset for GMT?
The UTC offset for GMT is UTC±0.
When does CET change to CEST?
CET changes to CEST in the last Sunday of March.
Do all European countries use CET?
No, only Central European countries use CET.
Is GMT the same as British time?
GMT is the same as UK time only in winter.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
