The main difference between CDT (Central Daylight Time) and EST (Eastern Standard Time) lies in their geographical locations and the time difference between them.
- Geographical Location:
- CDT: Central Daylight Time is used in the Central Time Zone, which includes parts of the United States and Canada, such as cities like Chicago, Houston, and Mexico City.
- EST: Eastern Standard Time is used in the Eastern Time Zone, which includes cities like New York, Washington D.C., and Toronto.
- Time Difference:
- CDT is 1 hour behind EST. For example, when it’s 12:00 PM (noon) in the Eastern Time Zone (EST), it will be 11:00 AM in the Central Time Zone (CDT).
- Daylight Saving Time:
- CDT is the daylight saving time version of the CST (Central Standard Time), observed in the summer months.
- EST, however, is used during the standard time in the winter months. During daylight saving time, EST becomes EDT (Eastern Daylight Time), which still maintains a 1-hour difference from CDT.
In short, CDT is used in the Central Time Zone during daylight saving time, and EST is used in the Eastern Time Zone during standard time, with CDT being 1 hour behind EST.