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Convert CST to EST: Central to Eastern Time Conversion

📅 June 30, 2026  ·  ⏱ 6 min read  ·  🏷 Time Zones, Conversion, Guide

Central to Eastern is a simple 1-hour conversion within the US. Central Time is one hour behind Eastern, so adding 1 hour gets you EST.

Time Zone Overview

CST/CDT

Central Standard Time is UTC-6 (winter), CDT is UTC-5 (summer, same DST schedule as the East).

EST/EDT

Eastern is UTC-5 (winter), UTC-4 (summer).

Conversion Formula

EST = CST + 1 hour (and EDT = CDT + 1 hour)

Conversion Examples

Winter: 9:00 AM CST (Chicago) → 10:00 AM EST (NY)

Summer: 9:00 AM CDT → 10:00 AM EDT

Quick Reference Table (CST → EST)

CentralEastern
6:00 AM7:00 AM
9:00 AM10:00 AM
12:00 PM1:00 PM
3:00 PM4:00 PM
6:00 PM7:00 PM
9:00 PM10:00 PM

Time Zone Converter

Adds 1 hour (CST→EST). For date-specific use our meeting planner.

Common Use Cases

Frequently Asked Questions

How far behind is Central from Eastern?

1 hour.

Does DST change the gap?

No, both switch together, gap stays 1 hour.

If it's 9 AM CST, what time is it EST?

10 AM EST.

Which cities are Central?

Chicago, Houston, Dallas, New Orleans, Minneapolis.

How do I convert EST to CST?

Subtract 1 hour.

Use our world clock for live Central and Eastern times.