How many hours is CST behind BST?
As abbreviations, BST is always 7 hours ahead of CST: CST is UTC−6 and BST is UTC+1. To convert, add 7 hours.
Check which label you actually need: BST (British Time is on GMT 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 BST is 6 hours ahead of CST.
When the CST to BST time difference changes
For most of the year BST is 6 hours ahead of CST. From 14 March to 27 March 2027, BST is 5 hours ahead 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 | BST vs CST | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 November 2026 to 31 December 2026 | 6 hours ahead | 61 days |
| 1 January 2027 to 13 March 2027 | 6 hours ahead | 72 days |
| 14 March 2027 to 27 March 2027 | 5 hours ahead | 14 days |
| 28 March 2027 to 30 October 2027 | 6 hours ahead | 217 days |
| 31 October 2027 to 6 November 2027 | 5 hours ahead | 7 days |
| 7 November 2027 to 31 December 2027 | 6 hours ahead | 55 days |
Best time for a meeting between CST and BST
- When BST is 6 hours ahead of CST: 2 shared office hours, 09:00 to 11:00 in CST (15:00 to 17:00 in BST).
- When BST is 5 hours ahead of CST: 3 shared office hours, 09:00 to 12:00 in CST (14:00 to 17:00 in BST).