PST vs. MST — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 7, 2024
PST (Pacific Standard Time) is UTC-8, primarily used on the West Coast of the USA; MST (Mountain Standard Time) is UTC-7, used just east of PST regions.
Difference Between PST and MST
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
PST, or Pacific Standard Time, is the time zone used by states like California and Washington. Whereas MST, Mountain Standard Time, applies to regions slightly eastward, including Arizona and Colorado. Both operate as standard time zones in the contiguous United States but differ in geographic coverage.
PST aligns with UTC-8 during standard time. On the other hand, MST is set at UTC-7, making MST one hour ahead of PST. This one-hour difference affects everything from broadcast times to business hours between regions.
During daylight saving time, PST changes to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), moving to UTC-7. Meanwhile, MST switches to Mountain Daylight Time (MDT), shifting to UTC-6, maintaining the one-hour difference with PST.
PST encompasses areas where major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco operate. Conversely, MST includes key cities like Denver and Phoenix, each zone influencing local schedules and TV broadcasting times.
The adjustment from PST to MST can impact travel and communication for those moving between these time zones. While traveling eastward from a PST region to an MST region, one would set their clock forward by one hour.
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Comparison Chart
UTC Offset
UTC-8
UTC-7
Daylight Saving Time
Shifts to UTC-7 (PDT)
Shifts to UTC-6 (MDT)
Typical States
California, Washington
Arizona, Colorado
Major Cities
Los Angeles, San Francisco
Denver, Phoenix
Hour Difference
1 hour behind MST
1 hour ahead of PST
Compare with Definitions
Pst
Governs the timing of TV broadcasts and other live events in its region.
Primetime shows air at 8 PM PST.
Mst
Standard time in the Mountain region of the USA during standard months.
Colorado adheres to MST in the winter.
Pst
UTC-8 time setting used on the west coast of North America.
PST dictates standard time in Seattle.
Mst
Influences the timing of regional and national broadcasts.
Events are often broadcasted with MST in mind for local viewers.
Pst
Alters to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) in summer.
PST changes to PDT to extend daylight in the evening.
Mst
UTC-7 time standard used in parts of North America.
MST serves as the basis for scheduling in Salt Lake City.
Pst
Affects travel itineraries west of the mountain regions.
Flights from MST to PST areas require adjusting watches back one hour.
Mst
Shifts to Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) during daylight saving.
MST adjusts forward to MDT for more daylight in the evening.
Pst
Time zone standard in the Pacific region of the USA during the colder months.
California operates on PST during winter.
Mst
Important for scheduling across different U.S. time zones.
Conference calls between MST and other time zones need careful timing.
Pst
Alternative form of psst
Mst
Mountain Standard Time, the time of the 105th meridian, used in the mountain states of the U.S.
Pst
Standard time in the 8th time zone west of Greenwich, reckoned at the 120th meridian west; used in far western states of the United States
Mst
Standard time in the 7th time zone west of Greenwich, reckoned at the 105th meridian west; used in the mountain states of the United States
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between PST and MST?
PST is UTC-8, while MST is UTC-7, making MST one hour ahead of PST.
What states are primarily in the MST time zone?
States like Arizona and Colorado are primarily in the MST time zone.
Which major cities operate under PST?
Major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco operate under PST.
Can you give an example of a situation where understanding PST and MST is important?
When organizing a conference call with participants in different time zones, it's important to have a good understanding of those time zones to coordinate a convenient time for everyone involved.
Do both PST and MST observe daylight saving time?
Yes, both time zones shift during daylight saving, moving to PDT and MDT, respectively.
How does the one-hour difference between PST and MST affect daily activities?
The one-hour difference can influence work hours, television programming, and travel schedules between the two zones.
Which time zone is ahead, PST or MST?
MST is ahead of PST by one hour.
How does the shift to daylight saving time affect PST and MST?
Both time zones shift forward by one hour during daylight saving, maintaining their one-hour difference.
Is there a period when the time difference between PST and MST changes?
No, the one-hour difference remains constant even during daylight saving changes.
What is te role of PST and MST in trading?
PST and MST are important time zones for trading as they help traders determine the opening and closing times of various stock exchanges.
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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.
Co-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.
