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PST vs. EST: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on December 30, 2023
PST (Pacific Standard Time) is 3 hours behind EST (Eastern Standard Time).
PST vs. EST

Key Differences

PST (Pacific Standard Time) is the time zone covering parts of western North America, whereas EST (Eastern Standard Time) is used in the eastern part. Both are used in different geographic areas of the United States and Canada.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
In PST, the day starts 3 hours later than in EST. This affects scheduling and communications between regions using these time zones.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
During Daylight Saving Time, PST changes to PDT (Pacific Daylight Time), and EST changes to EDT (Eastern Daylight Time), maintaining the 3-hour difference.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
EST is used in densely populated regions including major cities like New York, while PST encompasses cities like Los Angeles.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023
Understanding the difference between PST and EST is crucial for business operations, broadcasting schedules, and travel planning across these time zones.
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Comparison Chart

Geographic Location

Western North America
Eastern North America
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023

Time Difference

3 hours behind EST
3 hours ahead of PST
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Dec 30, 2023

Major Cities

Los Angeles, San Francisco
New York, Toronto
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Dec 30, 2023

Daylight Saving Changes

Becomes Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)
Becomes Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023

Impact on Activities

Later start of work and broadcast times
Earlier start of work and broadcast times
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Dec 30, 2023
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PST and EST Definitions

PST

An interjection used to express annoyance or impatience.
Pst, this meeting is taking forever.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

EST

A suffix used to form the superlative of adjectives and adverbs.
He is the fastest runner in the school.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

PST

Used to indicate the sound of steam or gas escaping.
The kettle let out a soft 'pst' as the steam rose.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

EST

Abbreviation for estimated.
The EST. delivery time is 3 days.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

PST

A whispered sound or call to attract attention.
He gave a quick 'pst' to get her attention from across the room.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
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EST

Eastern Standard Time, a time zone in North America.
The event starts at 8 PM EST.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

PST

A sound to signal secrecy or confidentiality.
He whispered 'pst' before sharing the secret.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

EST

Established, indicating the start or foundation of something.
The company was EST. in 1950.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

PST

An expression to prompt quiet or caution.
Pst, be quiet, the baby is sleeping.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

EST

Abbreviation for established, often seen in company names.
Smith's Bakery, EST. 1923.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

PST

Alternative form of psst
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

EST

(obsolete) Grace; favour.
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Dec 13, 2023

PST

Standard time in the 8th time zone west of Greenwich, reckoned at the 120th meridian west; used in far western states of the United States
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

EST

Abbreviation of established
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Dec 13, 2023

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.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

EST

East.
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Dec 13, 2023

EST

Standard time in the 5th time zone west of Greenwich, reckoned at the 75th meridian; used in the eastern United States
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

What is the time difference between PST and EST?

PST is 3 hours behind EST.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023

Is PST used year-round?

No, it changes to PDT during Daylight Saving Time.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023

What major cities use PST?

Los Angeles and San Francisco.
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Dec 30, 2023

Can PST affect international communication?

Yes, especially with regions in different time zones.
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Dec 30, 2023

Which part of North America uses EST?

The eastern part, including New York and Toronto.
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What does PST stand for?

Pacific Standard Time.
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Dec 30, 2023

Is EST ahead or behind PST?

EST is 3 hours ahead of PST.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023

What happens to EST during Daylight Saving Time?

It changes to EDT.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023

What are some common mistakes people make when using PST and EST?

Common mistakes include confusing the time difference, forgetting to account for daylight saving time, and using the wrong abbreviation.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023

What does EST stand for?

Eastern Standard Time.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023

When does PST observe daylight saving time (DST)?

PST does not observe DST. It remains the same year-round.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023

What are some alternatives to using time zone abbreviations like PST and EST?

Alternatives include specifying the time zone by city (e.g., Los Angeles time or New York time) or using UTC offsets (e.g., UTC-8 for PST).
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023

Why do some regions not observe daylight saving time?

Some regions, like Hawaii and Arizona in the U.S., do not observe DST to avoid unnecessary clock changes.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023

When does EST observe daylight saving time (DST)?

EST observes DST and moves one hour ahead during the DST period, becoming Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023

Can I use PST and EST interchangeably with PDT and EDT?

No, PST and EST refer to Standard Time, while PDT and EDT refer to Daylight Time. They are not interchangeable.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023

What is the time difference between EST and PST during daylight saving time?

During DST, EST is 3 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST).
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023

How can I stay updated on time zone changes and daylight saving time transitions?

You can check official government websites or use reliable time zone conversion tools and apps to stay updated on time changes.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023

Do other countries use PST and EST?

No, PST and EST are specific to the United States and Canada. Other countries have their own time zones.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 30, 2023

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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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