CST vs. EST — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 27, 2023
CST (Central Standard Time) is UTC-6; EST (Eastern Standard Time) is UTC-5, meaning EST is one hour ahead of CST.
Difference Between CST and EST
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
CST refers to Central Standard Time, which is UTC-6 hours, whereas EST refers to Eastern Standard Time, which is UTC-5 hours.
CST is observed in central parts of the U.S. and Canada, while EST is observed in the eastern parts.
When it is 12 PM in CST, it is 1 PM in EST, highlighting the one-hour difference.
Both CST and EST shift to daylight saving time, becoming CDT (Central Daylight Time) and EDT (Eastern Daylight Time), respectively, but the one-hour difference remains.
EST is geographically situated to the east of CST, making it ahead in time.
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Comparison Chart
Time Offset
UTC-6 hours
UTC-5 hours
Geographic Location
Central U.S. and Canada
Eastern U.S. and Canada
Relative Time
One hour behind EST
One hour ahead of CST
Daylight Saving Time
Becomes CDT
Becomes EDT
Position
West of EST
East of CST
Compare with Definitions
Cst
Observed in central North America.
Chicago operates on CST.
Est
EST stands for Eastern Standard Time.
The event starts at 7 PM EST.
Cst
It is UTC-6 hours.
CST is six hours behind Coordinated Universal Time.
Est
Shifts to EDT in summer.
Clocks go forward in spring from EST to EDT.
Cst
Shifts to CDT in summer.
Remember to adjust clocks for CST to CDT change.
Est
One hour ahead of CST.
If it's 4 PM CST, then it's 5 PM EST.
Cst
CST stands for Central Standard Time.
The meeting is scheduled for 3 PM CST.
Est
It is UTC-5 hours.
EST is five hours behind Coordinated Universal Time.
Cst
One hour behind EST.
When it's 5 PM CST, it's 6 PM EST.
Est
Observed in eastern North America.
New York is in the EST zone.
Cst
Standard time in the 6th time zone west of Greenwich, reckoned at the 90th meridian; used in the central United States
Est
(obsolete) Grace; favour.
Est
Abbreviation of established
Est
Init of w:Erhard Seminars Training, a course intended to promote satisfaction with life in the present moment, as opposed to strivings to attain it.
Est
East.
Est
Standard time in the 5th time zone west of Greenwich, reckoned at the 75th meridian; used in the eastern United States
Common Curiosities
What do CST and EST stand for?
CST is Central Standard Time; EST is Eastern Standard Time.
Do CST and EST observe daylight saving time?
Yes, both switch to CDT and EDT, respectively.
Can the same state have both CST and EST?
Yes, some states like Indiana have areas in both zones.
How far apart are CST and EST?
They are one hour apart.
Are CST and EST international standards?
Yes, they are part of the standardized global time system.
Does CST cover a larger area than EST?
Yes, geographically, CST covers a broader area.
Which is ahead in time, CST or EST?
EST is one hour ahead of CST.
Are CST and EST always one hour apart?
Yes, regardless of daylight saving time.
Does CST always refer to North America?
Mostly, but other regions like Central America also use CST.
Are CST and EST the same in summer?
No, they become CDT and EDT but remain an hour apart.
Is EST always UTC-5?
Yes, except during daylight saving time when it’s UTC-4.
Do all states in CST and EST observe daylight saving?
Most do, but there are exceptions like parts of Arizona.
Can events be scheduled in both CST and EST?
Yes, it's common to list times in both for clarity.
Is EST related to the east coast of the U.S.?
Yes, it includes the entire east coast.
How does one convert CST to EST?
Add one hour to convert CST to EST.
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Written 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.
