EST to Chicago Time Converter
CST is 1 hour behind EST. 9:00 AM EST = 8:00 AM CST.
CST is 1 hour behind EST. To convert EST to Chicago Time, subtract 1 hour from the EST time: 9:00 AM EST = 8:00 AM CST.
EST (Eastern Time) is used in New York, Washington DC, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Ontario, Quebec, Panama and Jamaica (all year). Chicago Time (Chicago time) is used in Chicago, USA.
EST to Chicago Time time conversion table
EST to Chicago Time on 6 Nov 2026. Today's date. Highlighted rows are 9 AM–5 PM in both places.
| EST | Chicago Time | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 AM EST | 11:00 PM CST | previous day |
| 1:00 AM EST | 12:00 AM CST | night |
| 2:00 AM EST | 1:00 AM CST | night |
| 3:00 AM EST | 2:00 AM CST | night |
| 4:00 AM EST | 3:00 AM CST | night |
| 5:00 AM EST | 4:00 AM CST | night |
| 6:00 AM EST | 5:00 AM CST | night |
| 7:00 AM EST | 6:00 AM CST | — |
| 8:00 AM EST | 7:00 AM CST | — |
| 9:00 AM EST | 8:00 AM CST | — |
| 10:00 AM EST | 9:00 AM CST | work hours |
| 11:00 AM EST | 10:00 AM CST | work hours |
| 12:00 PM EST | 11:00 AM CST | work hours |
| 1:00 PM EST | 12:00 PM CST | work hours |
| 2:00 PM EST | 1:00 PM CST | work hours |
| 3:00 PM EST | 2:00 PM CST | work hours |
| 4:00 PM EST | 3:00 PM CST | work hours |
| 5:00 PM EST | 4:00 PM CST | — |
| 6:00 PM EST | 5:00 PM CST | — |
| 7:00 PM EST | 6:00 PM CST | — |
| 8:00 PM EST | 7:00 PM CST | — |
| 9:00 PM EST | 8:00 PM CST | — |
| 10:00 PM EST | 9:00 PM CST | — |
| 11:00 PM EST | 10:00 PM CST | night |
- Work rows — 9 AM–5 PM in both places
- Night in the destination (10 PM–6 AM)
How to convert EST to Chicago Time
Subtract 1 hour from the EST time to get Chicago Time.
Example: 9:00 AM EST = 8:00 AM CST.
Across midnight: 12:00 AM EST = 11:00 PM CST (previous day). The date changes, so always check the day as well as the hour.
Time difference between EST and Chicago Time
The time difference between EST and Chicago Time is 1 hour all year – CST is behind EST.
EST and Chicago Time during daylight saving time
- 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).
- Chicago Time next changes on 14 Mar 2027: clocks go forward one hour at 01:59 local time, from CST (UTC−6) to CDT (UTC−5).
Best time for a meeting between EST and Chicago Time
EST and Chicago Time share 7 hours of the 9 AM–5 PM working day. Any time between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM EST lands between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM CST, inside working hours for both.
EST to Chicago Time FAQ
What is the time difference between EST and Chicago Time?
CST is 1 hour behind EST all year. 9:00 AM EST = 8:00 AM CST.
What is 9 AM EST in Chicago Time?
9:00 AM EST is 8:00 AM CST.
What is 12 PM (noon) EST in Chicago Time?
12:00 PM EST is 11:00 AM CST.
Is Chicago Time ahead of or behind EST?
CST is 1 hour behind EST, so it is earlier in Chicago Time than in EST.
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.
Does Chicago Time change for daylight saving time?
Yes. Chicago Time next changes on 14 Mar 2027, when clocks go forward one hour from CST to CDT.
What is the best time for a meeting between EST and Chicago Time?
EST and Chicago Time share 7 hours of the 9 AM–5 PM working day. Any time between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM EST lands between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM CST, 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 Chicago Time to EST
Convert EST to other time zones
Convert other time zones to Chicago Time
Learn more
Updated 6 November 2026. Time zone data: IANA tz database.