EST — Eastern Standard Time
UTC-5 / EDT during DST
Eastern Standard Time (EST) is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-5). It is observed in the eastern United States, eastern Canada, parts of the Caribbean, and Central America during the winter months. During daylight saving time, the region switches to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4).
EST Key Facts
- Full name: Eastern Standard Time
- Abbreviation: EST
- UTC offset: UTC-5
- DST: Switches to EDT (UTC-4) during summer
- IANA identifier: America/New_York
- Countries: United States, Canada, Jamaica, Panama
- Major cities: New York, Toronto, Miami, Atlanta, Detroit
Understanding EST
Eastern Standard Time (EST) uses a UTC offset of UTC-5, placing it 5 hours behind UTC. During Daylight Saving Time, the region shifts to EDT (UTC-4), moving clocks forward by one hour.
EST is observed across 4 countries, including United States, Canada, Jamaica, Panama. Major metropolitan areas in this time zone include New York, Toronto, Miami, Atlanta, Detroit, making it one of the most commercially active time zones in the world.