Understanding the PST to EST Time Difference
What's the Difference?
Eastern Standard Time (EST) is 3 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST). This means when it's 5:00 PM in Los Angeles (PST), it's already 8:00 PM in New York (EST).
Daylight Saving Time
Both PST and EST observe Daylight Saving Time, becoming PDT (Pacific Daylight Time) and EDT (Eastern Daylight Time). The 3-hour difference remains constant throughout the year.
Business Impact
The 3-hour gap means the East Coast workday (9 AM - 5 PM EST) overlaps with the West Coast workday (9 AM - 5 PM PST) for only 5 hours, from 9 AM - 2 PM PST (12 PM - 5 PM EST).
Planning Meetings
When scheduling meetings between PST and EST time zones, the ideal window is between 12 PM - 2 PM EST (9 AM - 11 AM PST) to accommodate both coasts' morning schedules.
U.S. Time Zones
PST/PDT
CA, WA, OR, NV
MST/MDT
MT, ID, AZ, UT
CST/CDT
TX, IL, MN, MO
EST/EDT
NY, FL, MA, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a 3-hour difference between PST and EST?
The United States spans multiple time zones due to its large geographical size. The 3-hour difference reflects the sun's position as it moves across the country from east to west.
Does the time difference change during the year?
No, the 3-hour difference remains constant throughout the year. Both regions typically switch to and from Daylight Saving Time on the same dates.
What's the best time to schedule a call between PST and EST?
The optimal window is between 9 AM - 2 PM PST (12 PM - 5 PM EST) when both time zones are typically within standard business hours.