What is Eastern Standard Time?

Eastern Standard Time, or EST for short, is the time zone for the eastern part of North America. It includes the US states east of the Mississippi River, the eastern provinces of Canada, and the Caribbean islands. The time zone is five hours behind Universal Coordinated Time (UTC). In the northern hemisphere, EST observation begins on the second Sunday in March, when clocks are set forward one hour. It reverts back to standard time during the first Sunday in November.

Understanding How Eastern Standard Time Works

In the United States, when Daylight Saving Time is in effect, Eastern Standard Time is known as Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). During this time, the area is four hours behind UTC instead of five. When standard time returns in November, the area shifts an additional hour behind UTC and remains that way until Daylight Saving Time begins again the following spring.

In eastern North America, the majority of the population observes EST all the year long. This includes countries such as Costa Rica, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and most of the Bahamas.

Examples of Eastern Standard Time

When standard time is observed in the United States, the eastern region and all its associated islands are five hours behind UTC. When Daylight Saving Time is observed, the area shifts an hour closer to UTC and is then only four hours behind UTC.

For example, at 3 PM in Eastern Standard Time, it would be 8 PM UTC. When Daylight Saving Time is in effect, 3 PM EST would correspond to 7 PM UTC.

In conclusion, EST is the time zone for the Eastern part of North America, and is usually five hours behind UTC, but four hours behind when Daylight Saving Time is observed. It is observed all year long in countries such as Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti. For those in EST, knowing the corresponding UTC time can be easily calculated by adding five hours during standard time, or four hours during Daylight Saving Time.