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Eastern Time (ET)

Also known as: Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

Map showing the areas covered by the timezone
  • Currently observing EDT
  • Areas with same time currently UTC -4
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The term Eastern Time (ET) is often used to denote the local time in areas observing either Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

In other words, in locations observing Daylight Saving Time during part of the year, Eastern Time is not static but switches between EST and EDT.

Eastern Time UTC Offset

See full time zone map

What Is Eastern Time?

Eastern Time (ET) is the easternmost time zone in the United States. It is also used in Canada.

Almost half of the population in the USA live in the ET time zone. It spans from northern Canada and all the way south to Panama near the equator.

In North America, Eastern Time shares a border with Atlantic Time (AT) in the east and with Central Time (CT) in the west.

What Does ET Time Zone Mean?

Unlike other time zone denominations, which have a fixed time, Eastern Time refers to a geographical area where the time changes twice yearly as Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins and ends. Eastern Standard Time is UTC-5, while Eastern Daylight Time is UTC-4.

Most North American time zones also have generic terms, including Pacific Time (PT), Mountain Time (MT), Central Time (CT), and Atlantic Time (AT).

Converting Eastern Time to Other US Time Zones

Where and When is ET Observed?

North America

US states using EST in the winter and EDT in the summer

Canadian provinces/territories using EST in the winter and EDT in the summer

Caribbean countries using EST in the winter and EDT in the summer

Canadian provinces/territories using EST all year round

Mexican states using EST all year round

See all Time Zones in North America
Caribbean

Caribbean countries using EST all year round

See all Time Zones in Caribbean
Central America

Central American countries using EST all year round

See all Time Zones in Central America

Other Time Zones in UTC -4

Some time zones exist that have the same offset as EDT, but can be found under a different name: