How many hours is EST behind WEST?
As abbreviations, WEST is always 6 hours ahead of EST: EST is UTC−5 and WEST is UTC+1. To convert, add 6 hours.
Check which label you actually need: EST (Eastern Time is on EDT today). A time written with an abbreviation that is not in use is usually meant as the local time, so convert between the places instead: right now WEST is 5 hours ahead of EST.
When the EST to WEST time difference changes
For most of the year WEST is 5 hours ahead of EST. From 25 October to 31 October 2026, WEST is 4 hours ahead of EST instead, because the two places change their clocks on different dates. Meetings booked by the usual gap land an hour off in those weeks.
| Dates | WEST vs EST | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 29 March 2026 to 24 October 2026 | 5 hours ahead | 210 days |
| 25 October 2026 to 31 October 2026 | 4 hours ahead | 7 days |
| 1 November 2026 to 31 December 2026 | 5 hours ahead | 61 days |
| 1 January 2027 to 13 March 2027 | 5 hours ahead | 72 days |
| 14 March 2027 to 27 March 2027 | 4 hours ahead | 14 days |
| 28 March 2027 to 30 October 2027 | 5 hours ahead | 217 days |
| 31 October 2027 to 6 November 2027 | 4 hours ahead | 7 days |
| 7 November 2027 to 31 December 2027 | 5 hours ahead | 55 days |
Calling hours for EST and WEST
- When WEST is 5 hours ahead of EST: 3 shared office hours, 09:00 to 12:00 in EST (14:00 to 17:00 in WEST).
- When WEST is 4 hours ahead of EST: 4 shared office hours, 09:00 to 13:00 in EST (13:00 to 17:00 in WEST).