How to Use the Time Zone Converter
Enter a time using the hour and minute fields, select AM or PM, then choose the source time zone and target time zone. The converter will instantly show the equivalent time in your target time zone. Use the "Now" button to fill in your current local time, or click one of the popular conversion presets for quick access.
Understanding Time Zones
Time zones are regions of the globe that observe a uniform standard time. They are generally defined by their offset from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Key points about time zones:
- There are 24 primary time zones, each roughly 15 degrees of longitude wide
- UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) is the global time standard, formerly known as GMT
- Some regions observe half-hour or quarter-hour offsets (e.g., India at UTC+5:30, Nepal at UTC+5:45)
- Daylight Saving Time (DST) shifts clocks forward by one hour in many regions during warmer months
Common Time Zone Conversions
EST to PST
Eastern Standard Time (EST/UTC-5) is 3 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST/UTC-8). When it is 12:00 PM EST, it is 9:00 AM PST.
EST to GMT
Eastern Standard Time is 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. When it is 12:00 PM EST, it is 5:00 PM GMT.
PST to JST
Pacific Standard Time is 17 hours behind Japan Standard Time (JST/UTC+9). When it is 12:00 PM PST, it is 5:00 AM the next day in Tokyo.
GMT to IST
Greenwich Mean Time is 5 hours and 30 minutes behind India Standard Time (IST/UTC+5:30). When it is 12:00 PM GMT, it is 5:30 PM IST.
Meeting Planner Tips
When scheduling meetings across time zones, use the world clocks above to find overlapping business hours. Typically, the best window for meetings between US East Coast and Europe is 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM GMT). For US and Asia meetings, early morning US time or late evening Asia time often works best.