EST to PST Converter: Eastern to Pacific Time Difference
Converting Eastern Time (ET) to Pacific Time (PT) is simple: there is a fixed 3-hour difference. When it is noon in New York, it is 9 AM in Los Angeles. This gap remains consistent year-round because both time zones observe Daylight Saving Time simultaneously, shifting from EST (UTC-5) to EDT (UTC-4) and PST (UTC-8) to PDT (UTC-7) on the same dates. Use the live converter above to see the current time in both cities, or visit Time.now for a full world clock. For quick reference, the table below shows common conversions, and the best windows for coast-to-coast business calls are discussed further down.
The New York to Los Angeles Time Difference
New York (Eastern Time) is exactly 3 hours ahead of Los Angeles (Pacific Time). This means that when it is 6 AM in New York, it is 3 AM in Los Angeles. The difference is stable all year because both zones spring forward and fall back together. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) is UTC-4, and Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) is UTC-7; Eastern Standard Time (EST) is UTC-5, and Pacific Standard Time (PST) is UTC-8. So whether it is standard or daylight time, the 3-hour gap remains unchanged. For more details on Eastern Time, see Eastern Time (ET).
New York to Los Angeles Conversion Table
| Eastern Time (ET) | Pacific Time (PT) |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | 3:00 AM |
| 9:00 AM | 6:00 AM |
| 12:00 PM | 9:00 AM |
| 3:00 PM | 12:00 PM |
| 5:00 PM | 2:00 PM |
| 8:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| 11:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| 11:59 PM | 8:59 PM |
For the reverse conversion, use the PST to EST Converter.
Best Times to Schedule Calls
When scheduling calls between the East and West Coasts, aim for the overlap of standard business hours. Typical US business hours are 9 AM to 5 PM local time. In New York, that is 9 AM to 5 PM ET; in Los Angeles, that is 9 AM to 5 PM PT. Because of the 3-hour difference, the common window is from 9 AM PT (12 PM ET) to 5 PM PT (8 PM ET). However, to avoid early mornings for the West Coast, a good window is 10 AM PT to 3 PM PT, which is 1 PM to 6 PM ET. The table below shows ideal call times.
| Eastern Time | Pacific Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | 9:00 AM | Start of West Coast day |
| 1:00 PM | 10:00 AM | Good overlap |
| 3:00 PM | 12:00 PM | Midday for both |
| 5:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Late afternoon East |
If you need to coordinate with other US time zones, check the EST to CST Converter or the CST to EST Converter. For time in specific cities, see time in Miami and time in Boston. For worldwide times, try TimeRight.Now or CurrentTime.now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time difference between EST and PST?
EST (Eastern Standard Time) is 3 hours ahead of PST (Pacific Standard Time). For example, 12 PM EST is 9 AM PST.
Does the time difference change during Daylight Saving Time?
No. Both Eastern and Pacific Time zones observe DST simultaneously, so the 3-hour difference remains constant year-round. EDT (UTC-4) is 3 hours ahead of PDT (UTC-7), and EST (UTC-5) is 3 hours ahead of PST (UTC-8).
How do I convert EST to PST quickly?
Subtract 3 hours from Eastern Time. For example, 6 PM EST becomes 3 PM PST. You can also use the live converter on this page or the PST to EST Converter.
What are the UTC offsets for EST and PST?
EST is UTC-5, and PST is UTC-8. During daylight saving, EDT is UTC-4 and PDT is UTC-7.
What is the best time for a conference call between New York and Los Angeles?
The best time is between 12 PM and 5 PM ET, which corresponds to 9 AM to 2 PM PT. This covers the typical business day for both coasts.
Is there a time zone between EST and PST?
Yes, Central Time (CT) and Mountain Time (MT) lie between them. Central Time is 1 hour behind Eastern and 2 hours ahead of Pacific. See Central Time (CT) and Mountain Time (MT).