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. Use the daylight saving time guide before March and November transition weeks so you verify the correct local rule for each city.
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.