CET to EST Converter

Convert Central European Time to Eastern Time. As of October 12, 2026, ET (EDT) is 6 hours behind Central European time (CEST).

By the CalculateBright team · Updated · How we calculate

  

Compare cities

Click an hour to convert it. Rows show each city’s local time.

How to use the CET to EST Converter

  1. Enter a CET time. Set the date and time in Central European Time.
  2. Read the EST time. The Eastern Time equivalent appears instantly, with DST notes.
  3. Compare more cities. Add cities to the hour grid or click an hour to convert it.

Central European Time vs Eastern Time time difference in 2026

Dates (2026)ET vs Central European time
Jan 1 – Mar 7−6 hours
Mar 8 – Mar 28−5 hours
Mar 29 – Oct 24−6 hours
Oct 25 – Oct 31−5 hours
Nov 1 – Dec 31−6 hours

The difference changes 4 times in 2026 because the two zones switch daylight saving time on different dates.

CET to EST conversion table (October 12, 2026)

Central European time (CEST)ET (EDT)
12:00 AM6:00 PM (−1 day)
1:00 AM7:00 PM (−1 day)
2:00 AM8:00 PM (−1 day)
3:00 AM9:00 PM (−1 day)
4:00 AM10:00 PM (−1 day)
5:00 AM11:00 PM (−1 day)
6:00 AM12:00 AM
7:00 AM1:00 AM
8:00 AM2:00 AM
9:00 AM3:00 AM
10:00 AM4:00 AM
11:00 AM5:00 AM
12:00 PM6:00 AM
1:00 PM7:00 AM
2:00 PM8:00 AM
3:00 PM9:00 AM
4:00 PM10:00 AM
5:00 PM11:00 AM
6:00 PM12:00 PM
7:00 PM1:00 PM
8:00 PM2:00 PM
9:00 PM3:00 PM
10:00 PM4:00 PM
11:00 PM5:00 PM

Highlighted rows fall within 9 AM–5 PM in both zones. Times for other dates may differ around DST changes; use the converter above.

What your results mean

In this page’s name, CET stands for Central European Time (Europe/Paris) and EST for Eastern Time (America/New_York); the labels are used year-round as search terms. The converter uses each zone’s rules for the date you pick, so it shows CEST or EDT automatically when daylight saving time applies.

Tips

  • Central European Time is used in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and most of mainland Europe.
  • Eastern Time is used in New York, Florida, Georgia, the Eastern Seaboard, Ontario and Quebec.
  • Also see PST to EST, EST to PST, CST to EST, EST to CST.

Frequently asked questions

What is the time difference between CET and EST?

As of October 12, 2026, Eastern Time is 6 hours behind Central European time (CEST) (CEST UTC+2 vs EDT UTC−4). The difference stays the same all year.

What is 9 AM CET in EST?

On October 12, 2026, 9:00 AM Central European time (CEST) is 3:00 AM ET (EDT). The result can shift by an hour on dates when only one side is on daylight saving time; the converter above uses the rules for the date you pick.

Does CET observe daylight saving time?

Yes. Central European Time switches between CET (UTC+1) and CEST (UTC+2); in 2026 clocks change on March 29 at 2:00 AM and October 25 at 3:00 AM local time.

Does EST observe daylight saving time?

Yes. Eastern Time switches between EST (UTC−5) and EDT (UTC−4); in 2026 clocks change on March 8 at 2:00 AM and November 1 at 2:00 AM local time.

When do CET and EST business hours overlap?

On October 12, 2026, 9-to-5 hours overlap from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM Central European time (CEST) (2 hours).

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