EST to CST Converter
CST is 1 hour behind EST. 9:00 AM EST = 8:00 AM CST.
CST is 1 hour behind EST. To convert EST to CST, subtract 1 hour from the EST time: 9:00 AM EST = 8:00 AM CST.
EST (Eastern Time) is used in New York, Washington DC, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Ontario, Quebec, Panama and Jamaica (all year). CST (Central Time) is used in Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Winnipeg; Mexico City and Central America use UTC−6 all year. The same conversion is also searched as “eastern time to central time”.
CST here means North American Central Standard Time, not China Standard Time.
EST to CST time conversion table
EST to CST on 6 Nov 2026. Today's date. Highlighted rows are 9 AM–5 PM in both places.
| EST | CST | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 AM EST | 11:00 PM CST | previous day |
| 1:00 AM EST | 12:00 AM CST | night |
| 2:00 AM EST | 1:00 AM CST | night |
| 3:00 AM EST | 2:00 AM CST | night |
| 4:00 AM EST | 3:00 AM CST | night |
| 5:00 AM EST | 4:00 AM CST | night |
| 6:00 AM EST | 5:00 AM CST | night |
| 7:00 AM EST | 6:00 AM CST | — |
| 8:00 AM EST | 7:00 AM CST | — |
| 9:00 AM EST | 8:00 AM CST | — |
| 10:00 AM EST | 9:00 AM CST | work hours |
| 11:00 AM EST | 10:00 AM CST | work hours |
| 12:00 PM EST | 11:00 AM CST | work hours |
| 1:00 PM EST | 12:00 PM CST | work hours |
| 2:00 PM EST | 1:00 PM CST | work hours |
| 3:00 PM EST | 2:00 PM CST | work hours |
| 4:00 PM EST | 3:00 PM CST | work hours |
| 5:00 PM EST | 4:00 PM CST | — |
| 6:00 PM EST | 5:00 PM CST | — |
| 7:00 PM EST | 6:00 PM CST | — |
| 8:00 PM EST | 7:00 PM CST | — |
| 9:00 PM EST | 8:00 PM CST | — |
| 10:00 PM EST | 9:00 PM CST | — |
| 11:00 PM EST | 10:00 PM CST | night |
- Work rows — 9 AM–5 PM in both places
- Night in the destination (10 PM–6 AM)
How to convert EST to CST
Subtract 1 hour from the EST time to get CST.
Example: 9:00 AM EST = 8:00 AM CST.
Across midnight: 12:00 AM EST = 11:00 PM CST (previous day). The date changes, so always check the day as well as the hour.
Time difference between EST and CST
The time difference between EST and CST is 1 hour all year – CST is behind EST.
EST and CST during daylight saving time
- 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).
- CST next changes on 14 Mar 2027: clocks go forward one hour at 01:59 local time, from CST (UTC−6) to CDT (UTC−5).
Best time for a meeting between EST and CST
EST and CST share 7 hours of the 9 AM–5 PM working day. Any time between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM EST lands between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM CST, inside working hours for both.
EST to CST FAQ
What is the time difference between EST and CST?
CST is 1 hour behind EST all year. 9:00 AM EST = 8:00 AM CST.
What is 9 AM EST in CST?
9:00 AM EST is 8:00 AM CST.
What is 12 PM (noon) EST in CST?
12:00 PM EST is 11:00 AM CST.
Is CST ahead of or behind EST?
CST is 1 hour behind EST, so it is earlier in CST than in EST.
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.
Does CST change for daylight saving time?
Yes. CST next changes on 14 Mar 2027, when clocks go forward one hour from CST to CDT.
What is the best time for a meeting between EST and CST?
EST and CST share 7 hours of the 9 AM–5 PM working day. Any time between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM EST lands between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM CST, 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.
Is CT the same as CST?
CST is the winter (standard) name of Central Time (CT). From March to November the same clocks are called CDT. This converter always uses the one in force on the date you choose.
Related conversions
Convert CST to EST
Convert EST to other time zones
Convert other time zones to CST
EST to CST by hour
Learn more
Updated 6 November 2026. Time zone data: IANA tz database.