CEST to EST Converter
EST is 6 hours behind CET. 9:00 AM CET = 3:00 AM EST.
EST is 6 hours behind CET at the moment. To convert CEST to EST, subtract 6 hours from the CEST time: 9:00 AM CET = 3:00 AM EST.
CEST (Central European Time) is used in Central Europe during daylight saving time. EST (Eastern Time) is used in New York, Washington DC, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Ontario, Quebec, Panama and Jamaica (all year).
CEST (Central European Summer Time) is not in force right now: Central Europe during daylight saving time is currently on CET. This page uses whichever name applies on the date you pick, so the numbers below say CET.
CEST to EST time conversion table
CEST to EST on 6 Nov 2026. Today's date. Highlighted rows are 9 AM–5 PM in both places.
| CEST | EST | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 AM CET | 6:00 PM EST | previous day |
| 1:00 AM CET | 7:00 PM EST | previous day |
| 2:00 AM CET | 8:00 PM EST | previous day |
| 3:00 AM CET | 9:00 PM EST | previous day |
| 4:00 AM CET | 10:00 PM EST | previous day |
| 5:00 AM CET | 11:00 PM EST | previous day |
| 6:00 AM CET | 12:00 AM EST | night |
| 7:00 AM CET | 1:00 AM EST | night |
| 8:00 AM CET | 2:00 AM EST | night |
| 9:00 AM CET | 3:00 AM EST | night |
| 10:00 AM CET | 4:00 AM EST | night |
| 11:00 AM CET | 5:00 AM EST | night |
| 12:00 PM CET | 6:00 AM EST | — |
| 1:00 PM CET | 7:00 AM EST | — |
| 2:00 PM CET | 8:00 AM EST | — |
| 3:00 PM CET | 9:00 AM EST | work hours |
| 4:00 PM CET | 10:00 AM EST | work hours |
| 5:00 PM CET | 11:00 AM EST | — |
| 6:00 PM CET | 12:00 PM EST | — |
| 7:00 PM CET | 1:00 PM EST | — |
| 8:00 PM CET | 2:00 PM EST | — |
| 9:00 PM CET | 3:00 PM EST | — |
| 10:00 PM CET | 4:00 PM EST | — |
| 11:00 PM CET | 5:00 PM EST | — |
- Work rows — 9 AM–5 PM in both places
- Night in the destination (10 PM–6 AM)
How to convert CEST to EST
Subtract 6 hours from the CEST time to get EST.
Example: 9:00 AM CET = 3:00 AM EST.
Across midnight: 1:00 AM CET = 7:00 PM EST (previous day). The date changes, so always check the day as well as the hour.
Time difference between CEST and EST
The time difference between CEST and EST is not the same all year, because the two sides change for daylight saving time on different dates. In 2026 it works out like this:
- 1 Jan 2026 – 7 Mar 2026: EST is 6 hours behind of CEST.
- 8 Mar 2026 – 28 Mar 2026: EST is 5 hours behind of CEST.
- 29 Mar 2026 – 24 Oct 2026: EST is 6 hours behind of CEST.
- 25 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026: EST is 5 hours behind of CEST.
- 1 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026: EST is 6 hours behind of CEST.
CEST and EST during daylight saving time
- CEST next changes on 28 Mar 2027: clocks go forward one hour at 01:59 local time, from CET (UTC+1) to CEST (UTC+2).
- EST next changes on 14 Mar 2027: clocks go forward one hour at 01:59 local time, from EST (UTC−5) to EDT (UTC−4).
Best time for a meeting between CEST and EST
CEST and EST share 2 hours of the 9 AM–5 PM working day. Any time between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM CET lands between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM EST, inside working hours for both.
CEST to EST FAQ
What is the time difference between CEST and EST?
Right now EST is 6 hours behind CET. The gap changes 5 times in 2026 because the two sides switch to daylight saving time on different dates.
What is 9 AM CEST in EST?
9:00 AM CET is 3:00 AM EST.
What is 12 PM (noon) CEST in EST?
12:00 PM CET is 6:00 AM EST.
Is EST ahead of or behind CEST?
EST is 6 hours behind CET, so it is earlier in EST than in CEST.
Does CEST change for daylight saving time?
Yes. CEST next changes on 28 Mar 2027, when clocks go forward one hour from CET to CEST.
Does EST change for daylight saving time?
Yes. EST next changes on 14 Mar 2027, when clocks go forward one hour from EST to EDT.
What is the best time for a meeting between CEST and EST?
CEST and EST share 2 hours of the 9 AM–5 PM working day. Any time between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM CET lands between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM EST, inside working hours for both.
Is ET the same as EST?
EST is the winter (standard) name of Eastern Time (ET). From March to November the same clocks are called EDT. This converter always uses the one in force on the date you choose.
Related conversions
Convert CEST to other time zones
Convert other time zones to EST
Learn more
Updated 6 November 2026. Time zone data: IANA tz database.