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Time zonesLive · DST-aware

CST to UTC Converter

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

Quick presets

CST to UTC Converter

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

ToolFeather · Intl API

About converting CST to UTC

Central Time (Chicago) and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) 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 UTC 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 UTC: the time difference through the year

The gap between CST and UTC changes during the year because only one of them uses daylight saving.

PeriodDifference
Oct 23, 2026 – Oct 31, 2026UTC 5 h ahead of CST
Nov 1, 2026 – Mar 13, 2027UTC 6 h ahead of CST
Mar 14, 2027 – Oct 23, 2027UTC 5 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

CST to UTC conversion table

CSTUTC (when 5 h ahead)UTC (when 6 h ahead)
12:00 AM5:00 AM6:00 AM
1:00 AM6:00 AM7:00 AM
2:00 AM7:00 AM8:00 AM
3:00 AM8:00 AM9:00 AM
4:00 AM9:00 AM10:00 AM
5:00 AM10:00 AM11:00 AM
6:00 AM11:00 AM12:00 PM
7:00 AM12:00 PM1:00 PM
8:00 AM1:00 PM2:00 PM
9:00 AM2:00 PM3:00 PM
10:00 AM3:00 PM4:00 PM
11:00 AM4:00 PM5:00 PM
12:00 PM5:00 PM6:00 PM
1:00 PM6:00 PM7:00 PM
2:00 PM7:00 PM8:00 PM
3:00 PM8:00 PM9:00 PM
4:00 PM9:00 PM10:00 PM
5:00 PM10:00 PM11:00 PM
6:00 PM11:00 PM12:00 AM (next day)
7:00 PM12:00 AM (next day)1:00 AM (next day)
8:00 PM1:00 AM (next day)2:00 AM (next day)
9:00 PM2:00 AM (next day)3:00 AM (next day)
10:00 PM3:00 AM (next day)4:00 AM (next day)
11:00 PM4:00 AM (next day)5:00 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.

UTC · Coordinated Universal Time

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the world's time standard, kept by atomic clocks. It never changes for daylight saving.

Frequently asked questions

6 answers
What is the time difference between CST and UTC?
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 Coordinated Universal Time, so the time you see is always right for right now.
How do I convert CST to UTC?
Enter a time in the CST box and the equivalent UTC 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 UTC converter accurate with daylight saving?
Yes. It uses your browser's built-in time-zone database (the IANA zones behind Chicago and UTC), which tracks daylight-saving changes automatically, so the current times and difference are correct.
What time is it in UTC right now?
The live clock above shows the current time in UTC (UTC), updating every second, alongside CST.
Does the CST to UTC time difference change?
Yes. Over the next 12 months it is 5 h ahead or 6 h ahead, depending on the date — see the table of periods on this page.
What is a good meeting time for CST and UTC?
Office hours overlap from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM CST (2:00 PM to 5:00 PM UTC).