What is the time difference between CST and PST?

Pacific Standard Time (PST) is 2 hours behind Central Standard Time (CST). CST uses a UTC offset of UTC-5, while PST uses UTC-7. For example, when it's 9:00 AM in CST, it's 7:00 AM in PST. Note that this difference may shift by one hour during daylight saving time transitions if the two zones change on different dates. Use the conversion table above to see the exact time for each hour of the day.

How do I convert CST to PST?

To convert CST to PST, subtract 2 hours from the CST time. For example, 9:00 AM CST is 7:00 AM PST, and 5:00 PM CST is 3:00 PM PST. Keep in mind that during daylight saving time transitions, the offset between these timezones may temporarily change by one hour. You can also use the interactive converter above for quick, accurate results.

What time is it in PST when it's noon in CST?

When it's 12:00 PM (noon) in CST, it's 10:00 AM in PST. This is because PST is 2 hours behind CST. Similarly, when it's 6:00 PM in CST, it's 4:00 PM in PST. During daylight saving time transitions, these times may shift by one hour, so always verify the current offset. The color-coded conversion table above shows every hour mapped between both timezones.

How many hours behind is PST from CST?

PST is 2 hours behind CST. This means when it's 9:00 AM in CST, it's 7:00 AM in PST, and when it's midnight in CST, it's 10:00 PM in PST. The exact difference can vary by one hour during daylight saving time transitions. The conversion table above provides a complete hour-by-hour mapping.

Is PST ahead or behind CST?

PST is behind CST by 2 hours. Clocks in PST show an earlier time than CST, meaning the day starts later in PST relative to CST. For example, when it's noon in CST, it's still 10:00 AM in PST. This gap may change by one hour during DST transitions.

Does CST observe daylight saving time?

Yes, Central Standard Time observes daylight saving time. During DST, the abbreviation changes to CDT and clocks move forward by one hour, typically in spring. Clocks then fall back in autumn, returning to standard CST time. This means the UTC offset for CST shifts between two values depending on the season. Check our DST change calendar for exact transition dates that may affect your CST to PST conversions.

Does PST observe daylight saving time?

Yes, Pacific Standard Time observes daylight saving time. During DST, the abbreviation changes to PDT and clocks move forward by one hour, typically in spring. Clocks then fall back in autumn, returning to standard PST time. This means the UTC offset for PST shifts between two values depending on the season. Check our DST change calendar for exact transition dates that may affect your CST to PST conversions.

What is the best time to call from CST to PST?

The best time for a call between CST and PST is during overlapping business hours (9 AM – 5 PM) in both timezones. To reach someone in PST during their work day, call between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM your CST time. Avoid calling too early or late, as the 2 hours difference means your evening could be their early morning. Check the color-coded conversion table above — green hours indicate business hours in both zones, making it easy to find the ideal time.

When does daylight saving time change in CST?

Daylight saving time transitions vary by year and region. Central Standard Time observes DST, which typically shifts clocks forward by one hour in spring ("spring forward") and back in fall ("fall back"). During these transition periods, the time difference between CST and PST may temporarily change by one hour, which can cause confusion for scheduled meetings or calls. It's important to double-check your conversions around transition dates, especially if the two timezones switch on different dates. Check our DST change calendar for exact transition dates in the current year.

Do CST and PST ever have the same time?

No, CST and PST are always 2 hours apart and never display the same clock time simultaneously. Both timezones observe DST and typically transition around the same period, so the standard difference remains consistent throughout the year. The 2 hours offset is determined by their fixed positions relative to the Prime Meridian (UTC). You can always rely on this consistent difference when planning across these timezones.

CST to PST Converter

Convert Central Standard Time to Pacific Standard Time. See the hour-by-hour conversion table below.

Timezone Details

Central Standard Time

6:21 AM

Friday, April 3, 2026

CDT (UTC-05:00)

Pacific Standard Time

4:21 AM

Friday, April 3, 2026

PDT (UTC-07:00)

Difference: -2 hours

CDT DST: Yes (CDT)

PDT DST: Yes (PDT)

24-Hour Overview

CDT — 24-hour overview

12a12a

3a3a

6a6a

9a9a

10a

11a

12p12p

3p3p

6p6p

9p9p

10p

11p

NightMorningBusinessEvening

PDT — 24-hour overview

10p10p

11p

12a

1a1a

4a4a

7a7a

10a10a

11a

12p

1p1p

4p4p

7p7p

NightMorningBusinessEvening

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conversions

PST to CST EST to PST PST to EST PST to GMT GMT to PST PST to IST IST to PST PST to JST JST to PST

Cities in These Timezones

CST Cities

Chicago Houston Dallas Minneapolis

PST Cities

Los Angeles San Diego San Francisco Seattle Las Vegas

More Tools

Compare CST & PST Plan a Meeting (CST & PST)See on Map

Learn More

How Time Zones Work Understanding DST Timezone Abbreviations

External Resources

Central Standard Time on Wikipedia Pacific Standard Time on Wikipedia IANA Time Zone Database