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Time zonesLive · DST-aware

CST to EST Converter

See the current time in CST (Chicago) and EST (New York) side by side, the exact time difference right now, and convert any time between the two zones.

Quick presets

CST to EST Converter

CST
Chicago
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EST
New York
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Uses your browser's built-in, DST-aware time-zone data.

ToolFeather · Intl API

About converting CST to EST

Central Time (Chicago) and Eastern Time (New York) are in different time zones, so a meeting, call or stream that's convenient in one may be early or late in the other. The clocks above update live and account for daylight saving automatically, so the time difference you see is the real one for today — not a fixed number that goes stale twice a year.

To plan across the two, type a time into the CST box (or tap a quick preset) and read the EST equivalent, including a "next day" or "previous day" note when the conversion crosses midnight. For any other pair of zones or cities, use the full timezone converter.

CST vs EST: the time difference through the year

The difference stays the same all year: EST is 1 h ahead of CST.

PeriodDifference
Oct 23, 2026 – Oct 23, 2027EST 1 h ahead of CST

Daylight-saving changes in the next year

ZoneDateOffsetChange
CSTNov 1, 2026UTC−5 → UTC−6Clocks go back 1 hour
CSTMar 14, 2027UTC−6 → UTC−5Clocks go forward 1 hour
CSTNov 7, 2027UTC−5 → UTC−6Clocks go back 1 hour
ESTNov 1, 2026UTC−4 → UTC−5Clocks go back 1 hour
ESTMar 14, 2027UTC−5 → UTC−4Clocks go forward 1 hour
ESTNov 7, 2027UTC−4 → UTC−5Clocks go back 1 hour

CST to EST conversion table

CSTEST
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 (next day)

Best time to meet

The two zones

CST · Central Time

Central Time is UTC−6 in winter (CST) and UTC−5 in summer (CDT). It covers Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Mexico City (which no longer uses DST) and Winnipeg. US daylight saving runs from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.

EST · Eastern Time

Eastern Time is UTC−5 in winter (EST) and UTC−4 in summer (EDT). It covers New York, Washington DC, Atlanta, Miami and Toronto. Daylight saving runs from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.

Frequently asked questions

6 answers
What is the time difference between CST and EST?
It's shown live at the top of this page (and it can change with daylight saving). The converter uses the current, DST-aware difference between Central Time and Eastern Time, so the time you see is always right for right now.
How do I convert CST to EST?
Enter a time in the CST box and the equivalent EST time appears instantly, adjusted for the current offset between the two zones — including a note if it lands on the previous or next day.
Is this CST to EST converter accurate with daylight saving?
Yes. It uses your browser's built-in time-zone database (the IANA zones behind Chicago and New York), which tracks daylight-saving changes automatically, so the current times and difference are correct.
What time is it in New York right now?
The live clock above shows the current time in New York (EST), updating every second, alongside CST.
Does the CST to EST time difference change?
No. Neither switch changes the gap: EST is 1 h ahead of CST all year.
What is a good meeting time for CST and EST?
Office hours overlap from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM CST (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST).