MST vs. EST — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 1, 2023
MST (Mountain Standard Time) is 2 hours behind EST (Eastern Standard Time).
Difference Between MST and EST
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
MST is the time zone observed in parts of the United States and Canada during the standard time, typically -7 hours from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-7). EST is the standard time on the east coast of the United States and Canada, typically UTC-5.
While MST is used by states such as Colorado and Arizona, EST is used by states like New York and Florida. MST observes daylight saving time in some regions, moving to MDT (Mountain Daylight Time), which is UTC-6. Conversely, during daylight saving, EST changes to EDT (Eastern Daylight Time), which is UTC-4.
Due to the geographic span of the United States and Canada, MST and EST serve to synchronize times across vast distances. For example, when it's 5:00 PM in MST, it's 7:00 PM in EST, affecting scheduling for work, television broadcasts, and travel.
During international meetings, the difference between MST and EST must be considered to accommodate participants. A teleconference that takes place at 3:00 PM MST would require participants in EST to join at 5:00 PM.
Comparison Chart
UTC Offset
UTC-7 (standard), UTC-6 (daylight)
UTC-5 (standard), UTC-4 (daylight)
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Example Locations
Denver, Colorado; Phoenix, Aizona
New York, New York; Toronto, Canada
Daylight Saving
Observed in some regions
Observed
Standard Time Period
Early November to mid-March
Early November to mid-March
Notation
"MST" during standard, "MDT" during daylight
"EST" during standard, "EDT" during daylight
Compare with Definitions
Mst
MST is a time zone used by several U.S. states and Canadian provinces.
The webinar will start at 9 AM MST.
Est
EST is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time.
The international call is scheduled for 8:00 EST, which is 13:00 UTC.
Mst
MST is 7 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time.
Convert 15:00 UTC to MST for the local event time.
Est
EST is a time zone observed on the east coast of North America.
The stock market opens at 9:30 AM EST.
Mst
MST refers to standard time during the winter months.
We switch back to MST after daylight saving ends.
Est
EST is the standard time during the non-daylight saving period.
We will revert to EST in the fall.
Mst
MST can be subject to changes by local legislation.
Arizona remains on MST all year due to state legislation.
Est
Some areas in EST may opt out of daylight saving time.
Parts of Indiana follow EST without observing daylight savings.
Mst
MST covers regions in both the U.S. and Canada.
MST includes regions like Alberta and parts of Mexico.
Est
EST is observed in the eastern parts of the United States and Canada.
EST covers states from Maine to Florida.
Mst
Mountain Standard Time, the time of the 105th meridian, used in the mountain states of the U.S.
Est
(obsolete) Grace; favour.
Mst
Standard time in the 7th time zone west of Greenwich, reckoned at the 105th meridian west; used in the mountain states of the United States
Est
Abbreviation of established
Est
Init of w:Erhard Seminars Training, a course intended to promote satisfaction with life in the present moment, as opposed to strivings to attain it.
Est
East.
Est
Standard time in the 5th time zone west of Greenwich, reckoned at the 75th meridian; used in the eastern United States
Common Curiosities
Does MST always observe daylight saving time?
No, Arizona is an exception where MST is observed year-round.
Are MST and EST international standards?
Yes, they are recognized in international timekeeping.
Are MST and EST fixed to UTC offsets?
They have fixed offsets but change with daylight saving time.
What time is it in MST when it's 12 PM EST?
It would be 10 AM in MST.
How many hours is MST behind EST?
MST is 2 hours behind EST.
Do all EST regions use EDT in summer?
Most do, but there are some exceptions like parts of Indiana.
Can MST and EST overlap in any region?
No, they are distinct time zones without overlap.
Does daylight saving time affect MST and EST equally?
Yes, both advance by one hour during daylight saving.
How does the change to daylight saving time affect scheduling between MST and EST?
It doesn't; the time difference remains 2 hours.
Do any countries outside of the USA observe MST or EST?
Yes, parts of Canada and Mexico also observe these time zones.
Is EST the furthest east time zone in the United States?
No, Atlantic Standard Time (AST) is further east.
Why don't certain areas observe daylight saving time within these time zones?
It's often due to state or local legislation based on regional preferences or needs.
Do EST and MST apply to all locations in their respective time zones?
No, some locations may not observe daylight saving changes.
Are MST and EST always exactly 2 hours apart?
Yes, except for any anomalies created by local legislation.
Can someone in EST celebrate New Year's twice by flying to MST?
Yes, because MST is 2 hours behind EST.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
