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Time zonesLive · DST-aware

MST to CST Converter

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

Quick presets

MST to CST Converter

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

ToolFeather · Intl API

About converting MST to CST

Mountain Time (Denver) and Central Time (Chicago) 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 MST box (or tap a quick preset) and read the CST 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.

MST vs CST: the time difference through the year

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

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

Daylight-saving changes in the next year

ZoneDateOffsetChange
MSTNov 1, 2026UTC−6 → UTC−7Clocks go back 1 hour
MSTMar 14, 2027UTC−7 → UTC−6Clocks go forward 1 hour
MSTNov 7, 2027UTC−6 → UTC−7Clocks go back 1 hour
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

MST to CST conversion table

MSTCST
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

MST · Mountain Time

Mountain Time is UTC−7 in winter (MST) and UTC−6 in summer (MDT) for Denver, Salt Lake City and Calgary. Most of Arizona stays on MST (UTC−7) all year.

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.

Frequently asked questions

6 answers
What is the time difference between MST and CST?
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 Mountain Time and Central Time, so the time you see is always right for right now.
How do I convert MST to CST?
Enter a time in the MST box and the equivalent CST 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 MST to CST converter accurate with daylight saving?
Yes. It uses your browser's built-in time-zone database (the IANA zones behind Denver and Chicago), which tracks daylight-saving changes automatically, so the current times and difference are correct.
What time is it in Chicago right now?
The live clock above shows the current time in Chicago (CST), updating every second, alongside MST.
Does the MST to CST time difference change?
No. Neither switch changes the gap: CST is 1 h ahead of MST all year.
What is a good meeting time for MST and CST?
Office hours overlap from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM MST (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST).