Convert Time Between EST and PST (Quick Chart)
If you work with people on the other coast, you probably convert between EST and PST multiple times a week. Here's how to do it fast — plus a chart you can bookmark.
Quick Answer
PST is always 3 hours behind EST. So 3:00 PM EST = 12:00 PM PST. Use the free timezone converter at dotsapps.com to convert any time instantly.
What Is the Time Difference Between EST and PST?
Eastern Standard Time (EST) is 3 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST). This never changes — both zones shift forward and back for daylight saving at the same time.
To convert EST to PST, subtract 3 hours. To go from PST to EST, add 3 hours. That's it.
During daylight saving time, the labels change to EDT and PDT, but the 3-hour gap stays the same.
EST to PST Quick Reference Chart
Here's a handy chart for common meeting times:
- 8:00 AM EST = 5:00 AM PST
- 9:00 AM EST = 6:00 AM PST
- 10:00 AM EST = 7:00 AM PST
- 12:00 PM EST = 9:00 AM PST
- 1:00 PM EST = 10:00 AM PST
- 3:00 PM EST = 12:00 PM PST
- 5:00 PM EST = 2:00 PM PST
- 6:00 PM EST = 3:00 PM PST
The best overlap for meetings is usually 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM PST). That works within normal business hours for both coasts.
How to Schedule Meetings Across Time Zones
When you send a meeting invite, always include the timezone. Write something like "2:00 PM EST / 11:00 AM PST" so nobody has to guess.
Most calendar apps handle timezone conversion automatically. But if you're sending a quick Slack message or email, you'll need to convert it yourself.
The fastest way is to use an online converter. Type in one time and get the other instantly — no mental math needed.
Does the Time Difference Change with Daylight Saving?
No. The US moves clocks forward (spring) and back (fall) on the same dates nationwide. So EST becomes EDT, PST becomes PDT, and the 3-hour gap stays the same.
The only tricky period is the few weeks when one state or territory doesn't observe daylight saving (like Arizona). In those cases, the difference may shift temporarily.
How to Do It: Step-by-Step
- 1
Open the Timezone Converter at dotsapps.com.
- 2
Select your source timezone (e.g., Eastern Time).
- 3
Select the target timezone (e.g., Pacific Time).
- 4
Enter the time you want to convert.
- 5
Read the converted time instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California PST or PDT?
California uses PST (Pacific Standard Time) from November to March and PDT (Pacific Daylight Time) from March to November.
What time is 5 PM EST in PST?
5:00 PM EST is 2:00 PM PST. Subtract 3 hours to convert from Eastern to Pacific.
What is the best meeting time for EST and PST?
The best overlap is 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM EST, which is 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM PST. Both sides are within normal work hours.
Is New York EST or EDT right now?
New York uses EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) from the second Sunday in March through the first Sunday in November. The rest of the year it's EST.
Ready to Try It?
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