How many hours is CST behind CEST?
As abbreviations, CEST is always 8 hours ahead of CST: CST is UTC−6 and CEST is UTC+2. To convert, add 8 hours.
Check which label you actually need: CEST (Central European Time is on CET 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 CEST is 7 hours ahead of CST.
When the CST to CEST time difference changes
For most of the year CEST is 7 hours ahead of CST. From 14 March to 27 March 2027, CEST is 6 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 | CEST vs CST | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 November 2026 to 31 December 2026 | 7 hours ahead | 61 days |
| 1 January 2027 to 13 March 2027 | 7 hours ahead | 72 days |
| 14 March 2027 to 27 March 2027 | 6 hours ahead | 14 days |
| 28 March 2027 to 30 October 2027 | 7 hours ahead | 217 days |
| 31 October 2027 to 6 November 2027 | 6 hours ahead | 7 days |
| 7 November 2027 to 31 December 2027 | 7 hours ahead | 55 days |
When CST and CEST are both at work
- When CEST is 7 hours ahead of CST: 1 shared office hour, 09:00 to 10:00 in CST (16:00 to 17:00 in CEST).
- When CEST is 6 hours ahead of CST: 2 shared office hours, 09:00 to 11:00 in CST (15:00 to 17:00 in CEST).