CST to EST Converter

Convert Central Time to Eastern Time. As of October 12, 2026, ET (EDT) is 1 hour ahead of CT (CDT).

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 CST to EST Converter

  1. Enter a CST time. Set the date and time in Central 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 Time vs Eastern Time time difference in 2026

Dates (2026)ET vs CT
Jan 1 – Dec 31+1 hour

CST to EST conversion table (October 12, 2026)

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

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, CST stands for Central Time (America/Chicago) 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 CDT or EDT automatically when daylight saving time applies.

Tips

  • Central Time is used in Texas, Illinois, Minnesota, Louisiana, much of the Midwest and Manitoba.
  • Eastern Time is used in New York, Florida, Georgia, the Eastern Seaboard, Ontario and Quebec.
  • Also see PST to EST, EST to PST, EST to CST, MST to EST.

Frequently asked questions

What is the time difference between CST and EST?

As of October 12, 2026, Eastern Time is 1 hour ahead of CT (CDT) (CDT UTC−5 vs EDT UTC−4). The difference stays the same all year.

What is 9 AM CST in EST?

On October 12, 2026, 9:00 AM CT (CDT) is 10:00 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 CST observe daylight saving time?

Yes. Central Time switches between CST (UTC−6) and CDT (UTC−5); in 2026 clocks change on March 8 at 2:00 AM and November 1 at 2:00 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 CST and EST business hours overlap?

On October 12, 2026, 9-to-5 hours overlap from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM CT (CDT) (7 hours).

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