Eastern Time Zone vs. Central Time Zone: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on November 22, 2023
The Eastern Time Zone (ET) is one hour ahead of the Central Time Zone (CT), with ET on the eastern coast and CT in the central region of the United States.
Key Differences
The Eastern Time Zone encompasses the eastern part of the United States, including cities like New York and Washington D.C. In contrast, the Central Time Zone covers the central areas, including Chicago and Dallas. These zones dictate the standard time for their respective regions.
During Daylight Saving Time, the Eastern Time Zone shifts to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), advancing the clock by one hour. Similarly, the Central Time Zone changes to Central Daylight Time (CDT). Both zones adjust clocks forward in spring and backward in fall, but at different times.
The Eastern Time Zone is the first to experience a new day in the continental United States, being one hour ahead of the Central Time Zone. This affects broadcasting schedules, as live events in the ET are aired an hour earlier in the CT.
For international communications, understanding these time zones is crucial. A conference call planned in the Eastern Time Zone will occur an hour earlier than the same time in the Central Time Zone, requiring adjustment for participants.
In terms of geography, the Eastern Time Zone covers states from Maine to Florida along the Atlantic coast, while the Central Time Zone includes states from North Dakota to Texas in the central part of the country.
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Comparison Chart
Standard Time Offset
UTC -5 hours
UTC -6 hours
Daylight Saving Time
Shifts to Eastern Daylight Time
Shifts to Central Daylight Time
Geographic Coverage
Eastern coastal states
Central states
Broadcasting Schedule
Live events air earlier
Receives broadcasts an hour later
International Impact
First to experience new days
One hour behind Eastern Time Zone
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Eastern Time Zone and Central Time Zone Definitions
Eastern Time Zone
ET is one hour ahead of Central Time Zone.
When it’s 5 PM in the Eastern Time Zone, it’s 4 PM in Central.
Central Time Zone
The time zone of the central region of the United States.
Chicago is in the Central Time Zone.
Eastern Time Zone
ET is the standard time in the eastern part of the U.S.
The meeting is scheduled for 3 PM Eastern Time Zone.
Central Time Zone
Central Time Zone switches to CDT during Daylight Saving.
Central Daylight Time begins next weekend.
Eastern Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone switches to EDT during Daylight Saving.
We'll switch to Eastern Daylight Time in March.
Central Time Zone
Central Time Zone includes states from North Dakota to Texas.
Texas mostly follows the Central Time Zone.
Eastern Time Zone
The time zone of the easternmost region of the United States.
New York City operates on Eastern Time Zone.
Central Time Zone
CT is the standard time in the central part of the U.S.
The webinar starts at 8 PM Central Time Zone.
Eastern Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone includes states from Maine to Florida.
Florida observes the Eastern Time Zone.
Central Time Zone
CT is one hour behind Eastern Time Zone.
When it’s 6 PM in the Central Time Zone, it’s 7 PM in Eastern.
FAQs
What is the main city in the Eastern Time Zone?
New York City is a major city in the Eastern Time Zone.
What states are in the Eastern Time Zone?
The Eastern Time Zone includes states like New York, Florida, and Georgia.
What happens during Daylight Saving Time in these zones?
Both zones advance their clocks by one hour during Daylight Saving Time.
Do both time zones observe Daylight Saving Time?
Yes, both the Eastern and Central Time Zones observe Daylight Saving Time.
How does the time zone affect TV broadcasting?
TV shows air an hour earlier in the Eastern Time Zone compared to the Central Time Zone.
How does the time zone impact international calls?
Calls need to be scheduled considering the one-hour difference between ET and CT.
What is the time difference between ET and CT?
The Eastern Time Zone is one hour ahead of the Central Time Zone.
What is a notable city in the Central Time Zone?
Chicago is a significant city in the Central Time Zone.
Is Atlanta in the Eastern Time Zone?
Yes, Atlanta, Georgia is in the Eastern Time Zone.
How do airlines manage these time zones?
Airlines adjust flight schedules based on local time zones.
Can a state be in two time zones?
Yes, some states like Florida and Texas span two time zones.
Is the entire state of Florida in the Eastern Time Zone?
Most of Florida is in the Eastern Time Zone, except for some western parts.
Does Texas follow the Central Time Zone?
Most of Texas is in the Central Time Zone, except for some western parts.
Are sports events scheduled differently in these zones?
Yes, sports events are scheduled according to the local time zone.
Is the Eastern Time Zone the same as Eastern Standard Time?
Eastern Standard Time refers to the non-Daylight Saving period in the Eastern Time Zone.
Are business hours affected by these time zones?
Yes, business hours vary according to the local time zone.
How does the stock market use these time zones?
The stock market operates based on Eastern Time, affecting trading hours in the Central Time Zone.
Do all U.S. time zones change for Daylight Saving at the same time?
Yes, all U.S. time zones change for Daylight Saving Time simultaneously.
How does daylight duration vary between these time zones?
Daylight duration can be slightly different, but the time of sunrise and sunset varies more noticeably.
Do time zones affect online meetings?
Online meetings need to account for the time zone differences.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
