EST to CST Converter

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

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 EST to CST Converter

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

Eastern Time vs Central Time time difference in 2026

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

EST to CST conversion table (October 12, 2026)

ET (EDT)CT (CDT)
12:00 AM11:00 PM (−1 day)
1:00 AM12:00 AM
2:00 AM1:00 AM
3:00 AM2:00 AM
4:00 AM3:00 AM
5:00 AM4:00 AM
6:00 AM5:00 AM
7:00 AM6:00 AM
8:00 AM7:00 AM
9:00 AM8:00 AM
10:00 AM9:00 AM
11:00 AM10:00 AM
12:00 PM11:00 AM
1:00 PM12:00 PM
2:00 PM1:00 PM
3:00 PM2:00 PM
4:00 PM3:00 PM
5:00 PM4:00 PM
6:00 PM5:00 PM
7:00 PM6:00 PM
8:00 PM7:00 PM
9:00 PM8:00 PM
10:00 PM9:00 PM
11:00 PM10:00 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, EST stands for Eastern Time (America/New_York) and CST for Central Time (America/Chicago); the labels are used year-round as search terms. The converter uses each zone’s rules for the date you pick, so it shows EDT or CDT automatically when daylight saving time applies.

Tips

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the time difference between EST and CST?

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

What is 9 AM EST in CST?

On October 12, 2026, 9:00 AM ET (EDT) is 8:00 AM CT (CDT). 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 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.

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.

When do EST and CST business hours overlap?

On October 12, 2026, 9-to-5 hours overlap from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET (EDT) (7 hours).

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