EST to CST Converter — Eastern to Central Time

EST to CST Conversion Table

Offset: EST -1 hours = CST. Applies during standard time. Work hours (9 AM–5 PM) highlighted.

EST		CST
00:00		23:00 (−1 day)
01:00		00:00
02:00		01:00
03:00		02:00
04:00		03:00
05:00		04:00
06:00		05:00
07:00		06:00
08:00		07:00
09:00		08:00
10:00		09:00
11:00		10:00
12:00		11:00
13:00		12:00
14:00		13:00
15:00		14:00
16:00		15:00
17:00		16:00
18:00		17:00
19:00		18:00
20:00		19:00
21:00		20:00
22:00		21:00
23:00		22:00

Eastern-to-Central is the reverse of the most-used US timezone conversion. New York-based companies with operations in Chicago, Houston, or Minneapolis subtract one hour to coordinate schedules.

Subtract 1 hour from Eastern to get Central. A 3 PM deadline in New York is 2 PM in Chicago. An 8 AM Eastern standup is 7 AM Central, which may be too early for some Central-based teammates.

The offset is permanently fixed at 1 hour. There is no point in the year where these two zones are the same time or two hours apart, since they both observe US DST identically.

Daylight Saving Time: What Changes

Both EST and CST observe daylight saving time. Since they typically switch on the same schedule, the 1-hour difference stays constant year-round — except during the brief transition windows when one zone has switched and the other hasn't yet. During those 1-2 weeks, the offset shifts by one hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert EST to CST?

Subtract 1 hour. If it is 11 AM EST, it is 10 AM CST. This rule works identically during daylight saving time (EDT to CDT).

Are EST and CST ever the same time?

No. The 1-hour offset is constant. Both zones spring forward and fall back on the same dates, so the gap never closes.

What should I keep in mind when scheduling from Eastern to Central?

An early morning Eastern meeting translates to an even earlier Central time. A 7 AM EST standup is 6 AM CST. If your team spans both zones, aim for 9 AM Eastern / 8 AM Central or later.

EST to CST Converter — Eastern to Central Time

EST to CST Conversion Table

Daylight Saving Time: What Changes

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn More

Your calendar + time zones, at a glance.

EST to CST Converter — Eastern to Central Time

EST to CST Conversion Table

Daylight Saving Time: What Changes

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conversions

Learn More

Your calendar + time zones, at a glance.