EDT vs EST vs ET

What Do EDT, EST, and ET Stand For?

Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

When:

During the spring and summer months, typically from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, clocks are set one hour ahead to make better use of daylight. This period is known as Daylight Saving Time.

➡️ Example: If it's 3:00 PM EDT, it’s 3:00 PM in places like New York, Washington D.C., and Toronto during this period.

Eastern Standard Time (EST)

When:

During the fall and winter months, typically from the first Sunday in November to the second Sunday in March, clocks are set back to standard time.

➡️ Example: If it's 3:00 PM EST, it’s 3:00 PM in the same cities, but during this period when Daylight Saving Time is not in effect.

Eastern Time (ET)

When:

ET is a more general term that doesn’t specify whether it’s standard or daylight time. It can mean either EDT or EST, depending on the time of year.

➡️ Example: If an event is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET, it could be either 3:00 PM EDT (in the summer) or 3:00 PM EST (in the winter). The exact time depends on the date.

How Do EDT and EST Differ?

Time Difference:

EDT is always one hour ahead of EST. For instance, if it's 2:00 PM EST, it’s 3:00 PM EDT.

Seasonal Use:

EDT is used in the warmer months when Daylight Saving Time is in effect, while EST is used during the colder months when standard time is observed.

Common Errors

❌ Mixing Up EDT and EST:

People often confuse EDT with EST, especially during the transitions in spring and fall. Always check whether Daylight Saving Time is in effect.

❌ Using ET Incorrectly:

ET should only be used when it doesn’t matter whether it’s EDT or EST. If a specific time is important, always specify EDT or EST.

Everyday Use

Understanding these time zone terms is requried when for planning activities across different time zones, such as scheduling meetings, watching TV broadcasts, or catching flights. For example, if a TV show is advertised as airing at 8:00 PM ET, you need to know whether Daylight Saving Time is in effect to understand the exact time.

FAQ

What is the difference between EDT and EST?

EDT is used during Daylight Saving Time in the spring and summer, while EST is used during the standard time in the fall and winter. EDT is one hour ahead of EST.

When do we switch from EST to EDT?

In the United States and Canada, clocks move from EST to EDT on the second Sunday in March.

What does ET mean?

ET stands for Eastern Time and can refer to either EDT or EST, depending on the time of year.

How do I know if it’s EDT or EST right now?

It depends on the time of year: EDT is in effect from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, and EST is in effect from the first Sunday in November to the second Sunday in March.

If I’m in EST, how do I convert to EDT?

Simply add one hour to your current EST time to get the EDT time.