How many hours is CST ahead of HST?
As abbreviations, HST is always 4 hours behind of CST: CST is UTC−6 and HST is UTC−10. To convert, subtract 4 hours.
Check which label you actually need: CST (Central Time is on CDT today). A time written with an abbreviation that is not in use is usually meant as the local time, so convert between the places instead: right now HST is 5 hours behind of CST.
When the CST to HST time difference changes
For most of the year HST is 5 hours behind of CST. From 1 November to 31 December 2026, HST is 4 hours behind of CST instead, because the two places change their clocks on different dates. Meetings booked by the usual gap land an hour off in those weeks.
| Dates | HST vs CST | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 8 March 2026 to 31 October 2026 | 5 hours behind | 238 days |
| 1 November 2026 to 31 December 2026 | 4 hours behind | 61 days |
| 1 January 2027 to 13 March 2027 | 4 hours behind | 72 days |
| 14 March 2027 to 6 November 2027 | 5 hours behind | 238 days |
| 7 November 2027 to 31 December 2027 | 4 hours behind | 55 days |
Best time for a meeting between CST and HST
- When HST is 5 hours behind of CST: 3 shared office hours, 14:00 to 17:00 in CST (09:00 to 12:00 in HST).
- When HST is 4 hours behind of CST: 4 shared office hours, 13:00 to 17:00 in CST (09:00 to 13:00 in HST).