3pm in Central Standard Time is 8pm in Coordinated Universal Time.

Frequently asked

Quick answers about converting between Central Standard Time and Coordinated Universal Time. Can't find what you need? Email [email protected].

What is the time difference between Central Standard Time and Coordinated Universal Time?

Central Standard Time is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time right now. We always show the live, daylight-saving-correct difference, so this figure already accounts for whichever side is observing summer time today.

When it's 3pm in Central Standard Time, what time is it in Coordinated Universal Time?

3pm in Central Standard Time is 8pm in Coordinated Universal Time. That's already evening in Coordinated Universal Time, after the typical working day ends. Use the hour-by-hour table above to read any other time across.

What's the best time for a call between Central Standard Time and Coordinated Universal Time?

9am–12pm in Central Standard Time lines up with 2pm–5pm in Coordinated Universal Time — both sides are inside a 9-to-5 working day.

Does this account for daylight saving time?

Yes. We track every clock change in both places, so the abbreviations you see — CDT and UTC — are the ones actually in effect right now, not a fixed all-year value. When either side changes its clocks, this page updates automatically.

Why is the date sometimes different on each side?

When two places are far enough apart, the same moment can fall on different calendar days. That is why some conversions are marked "previous day" or "next day" — it is the same instant in time, read off two clocks that crossed midnight at different points.