CET to EST Converter
EST is 6 hours behind CET. 9:00 AM CET = 3:00 AM EST.
EST is 6 hours behind CET at the moment. To convert CET to EST, subtract 6 hours from the CET time: 9:00 AM CET = 3:00 AM EST.
CET (Central European Time) is used in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Austria, Switzerland and more. EST (Eastern Time) is used in New York, Washington DC, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Ontario, Quebec, Panama and Jamaica (all year).
CET to EST time conversion table
CET to EST on 6 Nov 2026. Today's date. Highlighted rows are 9 AM–5 PM in both places.
| CET | EST | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 AM CET | 6:00 PM EST | previous day |
| 1:00 AM CET | 7:00 PM EST | previous day |
| 2:00 AM CET | 8:00 PM EST | previous day |
| 3:00 AM CET | 9:00 PM EST | previous day |
| 4:00 AM CET | 10:00 PM EST | previous day |
| 5:00 AM CET | 11:00 PM EST | previous day |
| 6:00 AM CET | 12:00 AM EST | night |
| 7:00 AM CET | 1:00 AM EST | night |
| 8:00 AM CET | 2:00 AM EST | night |
| 9:00 AM CET | 3:00 AM EST | night |
| 10:00 AM CET | 4:00 AM EST | night |
| 11:00 AM CET | 5:00 AM EST | night |
| 12:00 PM CET | 6:00 AM EST | — |
| 1:00 PM CET | 7:00 AM EST | — |
| 2:00 PM CET | 8:00 AM EST | — |
| 3:00 PM CET | 9:00 AM EST | work hours |
| 4:00 PM CET | 10:00 AM EST | work hours |
| 5:00 PM CET | 11:00 AM EST | — |
| 6:00 PM CET | 12:00 PM EST | — |
| 7:00 PM CET | 1:00 PM EST | — |
| 8:00 PM CET | 2:00 PM EST | — |
| 9:00 PM CET | 3:00 PM EST | — |
| 10:00 PM CET | 4:00 PM EST | — |
| 11:00 PM CET | 5:00 PM EST | — |
- Work rows — 9 AM–5 PM in both places
- Night in the destination (10 PM–6 AM)
How to convert CET to EST
Subtract 6 hours from the CET time to get EST.
Example: 9:00 AM CET = 3:00 AM EST.
Across midnight: 1:00 AM CET = 7:00 PM EST (previous day). The date changes, so always check the day as well as the hour.
Time difference between CET and EST
The time difference between CET and EST is not the same all year, because the two sides change for daylight saving time on different dates. In 2026 it works out like this:
- 1 Jan 2026 – 7 Mar 2026: EST is 6 hours behind of CET.
- 8 Mar 2026 – 28 Mar 2026: EST is 5 hours behind of CET.
- 29 Mar 2026 – 24 Oct 2026: EST is 6 hours behind of CET.
- 25 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026: EST is 5 hours behind of CET.
- 1 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026: EST is 6 hours behind of CET.
CET and EST during daylight saving time
- CET next changes on 28 Mar 2027: clocks go forward one hour at 01:59 local time, from CET (UTC+1) to CEST (UTC+2).
- EST next changes on 14 Mar 2027: clocks go forward one hour at 01:59 local time, from EST (UTC−5) to EDT (UTC−4).
Best time for a meeting between CET and EST
CET and EST share 2 hours of the 9 AM–5 PM working day. Any time between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM CET lands between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM EST, inside working hours for both.
CET to EST FAQ
What is the time difference between CET and EST?
Right now EST is 6 hours behind CET. The gap changes 5 times in 2026 because the two sides switch to daylight saving time on different dates.
What is 9 AM CET in EST?
9:00 AM CET is 3:00 AM EST.
What is 12 PM (noon) CET in EST?
12:00 PM CET is 6:00 AM EST.
Is EST ahead of or behind CET?
EST is 6 hours behind CET, so it is earlier in EST than in CET.
Does CET change for daylight saving time?
Yes. CET next changes on 28 Mar 2027, when clocks go forward one hour from CET to CEST.
Does EST change for daylight saving time?
Yes. EST next changes on 14 Mar 2027, when clocks go forward one hour from EST to EDT.
What is the best time for a meeting between CET and EST?
CET and EST share 2 hours of the 9 AM–5 PM working day. Any time between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM CET lands between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM EST, inside working hours for both.
Is ET the same as EST?
EST is the winter (standard) name of Eastern Time (ET). From March to November the same clocks are called EDT. This converter always uses the one in force on the date you choose.
Related conversions
Convert EST to CET
Convert CET to other time zones
Convert other time zones to EST
CET to EST by hour
Learn more
Updated 6 November 2026. Time zone data: IANA tz database.