Convert EST to PST: Eastern to Pacific Time Conversion
Converting between Eastern Time and Pacific Time is one of the most common time zone conversions in North America. Whether you're scheduling a call between New York and Los Angeles, planning a coast-to-coast meeting, or coordinating with team members across the US, understanding the 3-hour difference between EST and PST is essential.
Time Zone Overview
Before we look at the conversion, let's understand the basics of each time zone involved.
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Eastern Standard Time is UTC-5. It covers the eastern part of the United States including New York, Washington DC, Boston, Atlanta, and Miami. During Daylight Saving Time (March to November), it becomes Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4).
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Pacific Standard Time is UTC-8. It covers the western part of the United States including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego, and Las Vegas. During Daylight Saving Time, it becomes Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, UTC-7).
Conversion Formula
The basic formula to convert time from EST to PST is:
Time in PST = Time in EST − 3 hours
Since EST is UTC-5 and PST is UTC-8, the difference is always 3 hours.
Conversion Examples
Example 1: 9:00 AM EST
9:00 AM − 3 hours = 6:00 AM PST
Example 2: 7:00 PM EST
7:00 PM − 3 hours = 4:00 PM PST
Daylight Saving Time Considerations
Both Eastern and Pacific time zones observe Daylight Saving Time on the same schedule (second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November). This means the 3-hour difference remains constant year-round.
- EST/EDT: Standard time (EST, UTC-5) in winter, daylight time (EDT, UTC-4) in summer.
- PST/PDT: Standard time (PST, UTC-8) in winter, daylight time (PDT, UTC-7) in summer.
Quick Reference Table
| Time in EST/EDT | Time in PST/PDT |
|---|---|
| 12:00 AM | 9:00 PM (previous day) |
| 3:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
| 6:00 AM | 3:00 AM |
| 9:00 AM | 6:00 AM |
| 12:00 PM | 9:00 AM |
| 3:00 PM | 12:00 PM |
| 6:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 9:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
Common Use Cases
- Scheduling calls between New York and Los Angeles offices
- Planning coast-to-coast travel itineraries
- Coordinating live events broadcast across the US
- Managing remote teams with members on both coasts
Tools to Simplify Conversion
- World Clock: See current times in New York, Los Angeles, and hundreds of other cities simultaneously
- Meeting Planner: Find the best time for a multi-timezone meeting
- General Time Zone Conversion Guide: Learn the fundamentals of time zone math
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time difference between EST and PST?
Always 3 hours. Eastern Time is 3 hours ahead of Pacific Time.
Does DST affect the EST to PST conversion?
No. Both zones switch simultaneously, so the 3-hour gap holds year-round.
If it's 12:00 PM EST, what time is it in PST?
9:00 AM PST.
How do I convert PST to EST?
Add 3 hours to Pacific Time.
Which major cities use these zones?
EST: New York, Washington DC, Boston, Atlanta, Miami. PST: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego.
Bookmark this page for quick reference the next time you need to convert between Eastern and Pacific Time.