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CST to AST Converter

AST is 2 hours ahead of CST

Current CST Time
--:--:-- --
America/Chicago
Current AST Time
--:--:-- --
America/Halifax
Time Diff
2h ahead
CST
UTC-6
AST
UTC-4
Overlapping hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM CST (6h)

CST to AST Conversion Table

Green rows indicate standard business hours (9 AM – 5 PM) in AST

CST to AST time conversion table showing all 24 hours
CST AST
12:00 AM 2:00 AM
1:00 AM 3:00 AM
2:00 AM 4:00 AM
3:00 AM 5:00 AM
4:00 AM 6:00 AM
5:00 AM 7:00 AM
6:00 AM 8:00 AM
7:00 AM 9:00 AM
8:00 AM 10:00 AM
9:00 AM 11:00 AM
10:00 AM 12:00 PM
11:00 AM 1:00 PM
12:00 PM 2:00 PM
1:00 PM 3:00 PM
2:00 PM 4:00 PM
3:00 PM 5:00 PM
4:00 PM 6:00 PM
5:00 PM 7:00 PM
6:00 PM 8:00 PM
7:00 PM 9:00 PM
8:00 PM 10:00 PM
9:00 PM 11:00 PM
10:00 PM 12:00 AM +1d
11:00 PM 1:00 AM +1d

Converting Central Standard Time to Atlantic Standard Time

Central Standard Time (CST) and Atlantic Standard Time (AST) are separated by a 2 hours time difference. AST is 2 hours ahead of CST. CST is UTC-6, used in United States, Canada, Mexico, while AST is UTC-4, used in Canada, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands.

When converting from CST to AST, the key reference points to remember are: 9:00 AM CST equals 11:00 AM AST, 12:00 PM noon CST equals 2:00 PM AST, and 5:00 PM CST equals 7:00 PM AST. The conversion table above shows every hour of the day mapped between these two time zones.

Scheduling Across CST and AST

For professionals scheduling meetings between CST and AST, finding overlapping business hours is essential. Standard business hours are typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in each time zone. Given the 2 hours difference, the window of overlap may be limited. Use the highlighted working hours in the conversion table above to quickly identify suitable meeting times.

Daylight Saving Time Considerations

CST observes Daylight Saving Time, switching to CDT (UTC-5) during summer months. AST observes DST, switching to ADT (UTC-3). During DST transitions, the time difference between these zones may temporarily change by 1 hour. Always verify the current offset during spring and fall transition periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the time difference between CST and AST?
Atlantic Standard Time (AST) is 2 hours ahead of Central Standard Time (CST). When it is 12:00 PM noon in CST, it is 2:00 PM in AST.
How do I convert CST to AST?
To convert CST to AST, add 2 hours to the CST time. For example, 9:00 AM CST is 11:00 AM AST. Use the conversion table above for a quick reference of all 24 hours.
Does CST or AST observe Daylight Saving Time?
CST observes Daylight Saving Time, switching to CDT (UTC-5). AST observes DST, switching to ADT (UTC-3). During DST transitions, the time difference between these zones may change by 1 hour.
What is the best time to schedule a call between CST and AST?
The best time to schedule a call between CST and AST is during overlapping business hours. If you are in CST, try scheduling between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM your time, then check the conversion table above to see what that corresponds to in AST.
Is CST ahead or behind AST?
CST (UTC-6) is 2 hours behind AST (UTC-4). CST corresponds to the IANA time zone America/Chicago, while AST corresponds to America/Halifax.

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Time Zone Info