CET to CST Converter

Category: Time Zone Converters
- July 01, 2025
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Central European Time (CET)

UTC+1 • Paris, Berlin, Madrid

Conversion Settings

Configure your timezone conversion preferences

Central Standard Time (CST)

UTC-6 • Chicago, Dallas, Houston
--:--:--
Select a time to convert
Time Difference: --
UTC Offset (CET): +01:00
UTC Offset (CST): -06:00
DST Status: --
CET Time: --
CST Time: --
Time Format:
Current CET: --:--:--
Current CST: --:--:--
🌍 CET is UTC+1 (CEST UTC+2 during DST). CST is UTC-6 (CDT UTC-5 during DST). Both observe DST on different schedules.

CET to CST Conversion Guide

What is CET to CST Conversion?

CET to CST conversion helps you translate time between Central European Time and Central Standard Time zones. CET is UTC+1 and becomes CEST (UTC+2) during daylight saving time. CST is UTC-6 and becomes CDT (UTC-5) during daylight saving time. Both zones observe DST but on different schedules.

Time Zone Information

Central European Time (CET): Used in most of Europe including Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Rome, and Warsaw. UTC+1 in winter, becomes CEST (UTC+2) during daylight saving.
Central Standard Time (CST): Used in central US including Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and New Orleans. UTC-6 in winter, becomes CDT (UTC-5) during daylight saving.
Time Difference: CET is typically 7 hours ahead of CST, or 8 hours ahead of CDT during US daylight saving.

Daylight Saving Time Impact

Both Standard Time: November-March - CET is 7 hours ahead of CST
CET DST, CST Standard: March (US starts DST) - CEST is 8 hours ahead of CDT
Both DST Active: March-October - CEST is 8 hours ahead of CDT
CET Standard, CST DST: Brief period - CET is 7 hours ahead of CDT

Common Conversion Examples

Business Hours (Winter)
CET 3:00 PM → CST 8:00 AM
CET 6:00 PM → CST 11:00 AM
7 hour time difference during standard time
Business Hours (Summer)
CEST 4:00 PM → CDT 8:00 AM
CEST 7:00 PM → CDT 11:00 AM
8 hour time difference during daylight time
Meeting Planning
Best CET Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Converts to CST: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Optimal for both business hours
Event Scheduling
CET Noon: CST 5:00 AM
CET 8:00 PM: CST 1:00 PM
Perfect for global event timing

Conversion Tips & Best Practices

• Always check if both zones are observing standard or daylight time when scheduling
• European DST (CEST) starts last Sunday in March, US DST starts second Sunday in March
• Business meetings work best when CET is 3-6 PM for CST morning hours (8-11 AM)
• Time differences vary between 7-8 hours depending on DST schedules
• Use 24-hour format to avoid AM/PM confusion when scheduling internationally
• European DST ends last Sunday in October, US DST ends first Sunday in November

Convert CET and CST

If you're trying to coordinate meetings or events between Europe and the central part of North America, you know how tricky time zones can get. This converter clears up the confusion between Central European Time (CET/CEST) and Central Standard Time (CST/CDT), especially during daylight saving transitions. Whether you're planning a client call from Berlin to Chicago or comparing delivery windows, it's all right here—quick, clear, and reliable.

Central European Time (CET) Central Standard Time (CST)
🇦🇱 Albania
🇦🇩 Andorra
🇦🇹 Austria
🇧🇪 Belgium
🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina
🇭🇷 Croatia
🇨🇿 Czech Republic
🇩🇰 Denmark
🇫🇷 France
🇩🇪 Germany
🇭🇺 Hungary
🇮🇹 Italy
🇱🇺 Luxembourg
🇲🇹 Malta
🇲🇨 Monaco
🇲🇪 Montenegro
🇳🇱 Netherlands
🇲🇰 North Macedonia
🇳🇴 Norway
🇵🇱 Poland
🇸🇲 San Marino
🇷🇸 Serbia
🇸🇰 Slovakia
🇸🇮 Slovenia
🇪🇸 Spain
🇸🇪 Sweden
🇨🇭 Switzerland
🇻🇦 Vatican City
🇺🇸 United States (Central states)
🇨🇦 Canada (Saskatchewan, Manitoba, parts of Ontario)
🇲🇽 Mexico (Central region)
🇧🇿 Belize
🇬🇹 Guatemala
🇭🇳 Honduras
🇳🇮 Nicaragua
🇸🇻 El Salvador
🇨🇷 Costa Rica

Why this converter comes in handy

CET and CST don’t just differ in hours, they also shift around during different parts of the year thanks to daylight saving time. That gap isn't always consistent—it can jump between 6, 7, or 8 hours depending on the date. This tool accounts for all of that. No need to count backward or check a dozen calendars. Just pick your time, and it tells you what it means across the ocean.

Quick steps to use the converter

Pick your time and place

Select the date and time in the top section. By default, it starts with CET, but you can switch the dropdown to CST if you're entering a North American time instead.

Let it convert automatically, or take control

The converter will update the result as you type, thanks to “Auto Convert.” If you want more control, uncheck that and use the “Convert Time” button when you're ready.

See the full picture

You’ll get the converted time along with the full date, the time difference in hours, and clear UTC offsets. It also shows whether each region is on standard or daylight time.

Extra options to fine-tune your workflow

  • Swap Timezones: Flip the input and output zones instantly to reverse your planning direction.
  • Now Button: Need to know what time it is *right now* in both regions? Click "Now" and you're set.
  • Live Clocks: The current time for both CET and CST is always visible and updates every second.
  • Time Format Toggle: Switch between 12-hour and 24-hour display depending on your preference or local standards.
  • UTC Offset Display: Get a clearer technical view with or without colons in the UTC offsets.

Real-world example: from Madrid to Dallas

Let’s say you’re in Madrid and trying to schedule a virtual meeting with a colleague in Dallas. You’d like it to happen at 4:00 PM CET. Plug that in and you’ll see it’s 9:00 AM in CST, or 8:00 AM if daylight time is active in the US. That time difference changes throughout the year, so this tool ensures you always stay aligned.

Keep your calendar aligned across continents

Coordinating between Europe and North America doesn’t have to be frustrating. This CET to CST converter makes sure you always know what time it is on the other side. No mental gymnastics, no missed calls. Just accurate results, every time you need them.

Time now in these cities:

New York · London · Tokyo · Paris · Hong Kong · Singapore · Dubai · Los Angeles · Shanghai · Beijing · Sydney · Mumbai

Time now in countries:

🇺🇸 USA | 🇨🇳 China | 🇮🇳 India | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 🇩🇪 Germany | 🇯🇵 Japan | 🇫🇷 France | 🇨🇦 Canada | 🇦🇺 Australia | 🇧🇷 Brazil |

Time now in time zones:

UTC | GMT | CET | PST | MST | CST | EST | EET | IST | China (CST) | JST | AEST | SAST | MSK | NZST |

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