Chicago
Los Angeles
Convert CST to PST
Central Standard Time to Pacific Standard Time — Los Angeles is 2 hours behind Chicago
Quick Facts
Time Difference
-2 hours
CST Full Name
Central Standard Time
PST Full Name
Pacific Standard Time
CST to PST Conversion Table
Related Conversions
About CST and PST Time Zones
CST (Central Standard Time) is UTC-6 and covers cities like Chicago, Dallas, Houston. PST (Pacific Standard Time) is UTC-8 and covers cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle.
When it's 12:00 PM (noon) in Chicago (CST), it's 10:00 AM in Los Angeles (PST). The time difference between CST and PST is 2 hours — Los Angeles is behind Chicago.
With only a 2-hour difference, Chicago and Los Angeles share nearly a full business day overlap, making scheduling straightforward.
Daylight Saving Time
CST observes Daylight Saving Time and becomes CDT (Central Daylight Time) during summer months, shifting clocks forward by 1 hour to UTC-5.
PST observes Daylight Saving Time and becomes PDT (Pacific Daylight Time) during summer months, shifting clocks forward by 1 hour to UTC-7.
During DST transitions, the time difference between CST and PST may shift by ±1 hour. Always verify the current offset above for the most accurate conversion.
Use our world clock tool to compare Chicago and Los Angeles with a visual timeline, or browse more timezone conversions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time difference between CST and PST?
Los Angeles (PST) is 2 hours behind Chicago (CST). The offset is -2 hours.
Is PST ahead or behind CST?
PST is 2 hours behind CST. CST is UTC-5 and PST is UTC-7.
When it's 12:00 PM in Chicago, what time is it in Los Angeles?
When it's 12:00 PM (noon) in Chicago (CST), it's 10:00 AM in Los Angeles (PST).
When it's 5:00 PM in Chicago, what time is it in Los Angeles?
When it's 5:00 PM in Chicago (CST), it's 3:00 PM in Los Angeles (PST).
Does CST change for Daylight Saving Time?
Yes. CST (Central Standard Time, UTC-6) becomes CDT (Central Daylight Time, UTC-5) in summer, shifting clocks forward 1 hour.
Does PST change for Daylight Saving Time?
Yes. PST (Pacific Standard Time, UTC-8) becomes PDT (Pacific Daylight Time, UTC-7) in summer, shifting clocks forward 1 hour.