EST to PST Time Converter (and PST to EST): DST-Safe Guide
“EST to PST” is a common search, but the tricky part is that most of the year you’re actually converting ET↔PT with daylight saving time (EDT/PDT). This guide gives you a reliable method, plus a shareable converter link.
Quick answer: ET is usually 3 hours ahead of PT
For most dates, Eastern Time (ET) is 3 hours ahead of Pacific Time (PT). That means:
- 9:00 AM ET = 6:00 AM PT
- 12:00 PM ET = 9:00 AM PT
- 5:00 PM ET = 2:00 PM PT
Why “EST to PST” can be wrong (DST)
People say “EST” and “PST” as shorthand, but:
- In summer, New York is usually EDT, not EST.
- In summer, Los Angeles is usually PDT, not PST.
The difference is still typically 3 hours, but DST weeks are where meeting invites and deadlines break.
The DST-safe way to convert (works every time)
- Pick a date (don’t convert time zones without the date).
- Use cities (e.g., New York and Los Angeles) so DST rules are applied correctly.
- Share a link so everyone sees the exact same moment.
Use the time zone converter for a specific timestamp. If you’re trying to find a fair meeting window, use the Meeting Planner. If you’re comparing multiple cities (e.g., ET/PT/UTC), use Compare Cities.
Common ET ↔ PT conversions (table)
Here are a few common examples people use for work meetings:
- 8:00 AM ET → 5:00 AM PT
- 10:00 AM ET → 7:00 AM PT
- 1:00 PM ET → 10:00 AM PT
- 3:00 PM ET → 12:00 PM PT
- 6:00 PM ET → 3:00 PM PT
Best practice for meeting invites
- Write the time in both zones (e.g., “2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET”).
- Include a converter link for the exact timestamp.
- In DST transition weeks, double-check the day before.
Convert ET ↔ PT and share a link
Convert a specific date/time between New York and Los Angeles, then share the link so everyone sees the same moment.