PST vs. MST: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 9, 2024
PST (Pacific Standard Time) is a time zone 3 hours behind MST (Mountain Standard Time). MST (Mountain Standard Time) is 3 hours ahead of PST (Pacific Standard Time).
Key Differences
PST, or Pacific Standard Time, is the time zone used in parts of the Western United States and Canada. It is typically 8 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-8). In contrast, MST, or Mountain Standard Time, is the time zone observed in parts of the United States and Canada as well, specifically regions to the east of the Pacific Time Zone. MST is 7 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-7), making it one hour ahead of PST.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Regions observing PST experience a different daylight saving schedule than those in MST. During daylight saving time, PST changes to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), moving an hour forward. MST, similarly, transitions to Mountain Daylight Time (MDT), also advancing by one hour. This shift means that both PST and MST align with daylight saving changes, but they still maintain a one-hour time difference throughout the year.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
In terms of geography, PST encompasses areas like California and Washington in the United States, and British Columbia in Canada. MST covers regions including Arizona and Colorado in the United States, and parts of Canada like Alberta. This geographical spread shows that PST and MST cover adjacent areas in North America, with MST generally located to the east of PST zones.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
The impact of PST and MST is significant in scheduling and broadcasting. Television shows and live events are often advertised according to these time zones. For instance, a program scheduled at 8 PM PST would air at 9 PM MST. This difference is crucial for national broadcasts and telecommunication planning.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
In the context of international communication and travel, understanding the difference between PST and MST is vital. For international flights, connecting through airports in PST and MST zones requires awareness of this one-hour time difference to ensure accurate scheduling and time management.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
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PST and MST Definitions
PST
PST is the standard time zone for the Pacific coast, UTC-8.
San Francisco is 3 hours behind New York during PST.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
MST
MST, during daylight saving time, changes to Mountain Daylight Time.
Clocks are set forward one hour to MDT from MST in the spring.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
PST
PST is a time standard used in regions such as California and Washington.
Seattle switches to PST from PDT in November.
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Dec 18, 2023
MST
MST impacts national broadcasting and travel planning.
Television shows air an hour earlier in MST compared to PST.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
PST
PST, during daylight saving time, changes to Pacific Daylight Time.
Clocks are set back one hour to PST in the fall.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
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MST
MST stands for Mountain Standard Time, a time zone in the Central and Western United States and Canada.
Denver follows MST during the winter.
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Dec 18, 2023
PST
PST stands for Pacific Standard Time, a time zone in the Western United States and Canada.
Los Angeles operates on PST during the winter months.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
MST
MST is a time standard observed in areas like Arizona and Colorado.
Phoenix remains on MST throughout the year.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
PST
PST affects scheduling in media and transportation.
Flight departures from Vancouver are listed in PST.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
MST
MST is the standard time zone for the Mountain region, UTC-7.
Albuquerque is 2 hours behind New York during MST.
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Dec 18, 2023
MST
Mountain Standard Time, the time of the 105th meridian, used in the mountain states of the U.S.
Shumaila Saeed
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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How does PST affect national broadcasting?
Programs are often scheduled according to PST for the West Coast.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Does MST observe daylight saving time?
Yes, except for Arizona, shifting to Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).
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Jan 09, 2024
What does MST stand for?
Mountain Standard Time, a time zone in Central and Western North America.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
What does PST stand for?
Pacific Standard Time, a time zone in Western North America.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Are Arizona and Colorado in the MST zone?
Yes, they are part of the MST region.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Does PST observe daylight saving time?
Yes, changing to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
How does the PST to PDT shift affect scheduling?
It causes a one-hour advance in spring.
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Jan 09, 2024
Does the time change in PST affect international communication?
Yes, especially for calls and virtual meetings.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
What's a key difference in daylight saving between PST and MST?
Arizona in MST does not observe daylight saving, unlike most of PST.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
How does MST impact travel planning?
Awareness of MST is crucial for accurate scheduling in the region.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Can MST affect international flights?
Yes, especially in time management and connections.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
How do businesses adapt to PST and MST differences?
They adjust operating hours and scheduling for different regions.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Do all regions in MST observe daylight saving?
No, Arizona does not observe daylight saving.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Is the time difference between PST and MST constant?
Yes, it's consistently 1 hour.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Which time zone is used more in the US, PST or MST?
Both are widely used in their respective regions.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila 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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