How many hours is CET ahead of CDT?
As abbreviations, CDT is always 6 hours behind of CET: CET is UTC+1 and CDT is UTC−5. To convert, subtract 6 hours.
Check which label you actually need: CET (Central European Time is on CEST today). A time written with an abbreviation that is not in use is usually meant as the local time, so convert between the places instead: right now CDT is 7 hours behind of CET.
When the CET to CDT time difference changes
For most of the year CDT is 7 hours behind of CET. From 25 October to 31 October 2026, CDT is 6 hours behind of CET instead, because the two places change their clocks on different dates. Meetings booked by the usual gap land an hour off in those weeks.
| Dates | CDT vs CET | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 29 March 2026 to 24 October 2026 | 7 hours behind | 210 days |
| 25 October 2026 to 31 October 2026 | 6 hours behind | 7 days |
| 1 November 2026 to 31 December 2026 | 7 hours behind | 61 days |
| 1 January 2027 to 13 March 2027 | 7 hours behind | 72 days |
| 14 March 2027 to 27 March 2027 | 6 hours behind | 14 days |
| 28 March 2027 to 30 October 2027 | 7 hours behind | 217 days |
| 31 October 2027 to 6 November 2027 | 6 hours behind | 7 days |
| 7 November 2027 to 31 December 2027 | 7 hours behind | 55 days |
Calling hours for CET and CDT
- When CDT is 7 hours behind of CET: 1 shared office hour, 16:00 to 17:00 in CET (09:00 to 10:00 in CDT).
- When CDT is 6 hours behind of CET: 2 shared office hours, 15:00 to 17:00 in CET (09:00 to 11:00 in CDT).