What is a time zone converter?
A time zone converter converts a date and time from one time zone to another. Time zones exist because the Earth rotates, so different parts of the world experience daylight at different times. There are 24 primary time zones, each approximately 15 degrees of longitude apart. This converter helps you determine what time it is in another location when you know the time in your location, essential for scheduling meetings, travel planning, or communicating across time zones.
Enter a date and time, select the source time zone (where the time is now), select the destination time zone (where you want to know the time), then click Get result to see the converted time. No sign-up required. Use it for scheduling, travel planning, or understanding time differences between locations.
How to use this time zone converter
Enter the date and time you want to convert. Select the source time zone from the dropdown (where this time currently exists). Select the destination time zone (where you want to know what time it will be). Click Get result to see the converted time displayed in the destination time zone. The converter accounts for time zone offsets, showing you the exact time in the other location. This is useful for scheduling calls, meetings, or events across time zones.
Understanding time zones
Time zones are regions that observe the same standard time. They're based on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), formerly Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). UTC+0 is the reference point. Time zones east of UTC are ahead (positive offset), west are behind (negative offset). For example, New York is UTC-5 (5 hours behind UTC), while Tokyo is UTC+9 (9 hours ahead). Some regions observe Daylight Saving Time (DST), shifting clocks forward in spring and back in fall, which changes their UTC offset temporarily.
Daylight Saving Time (DST)
Many regions observe Daylight Saving Time, adjusting clocks forward by one hour in spring and back in fall. This changes their UTC offset. For example, Eastern Time is UTC-5 in winter (EST) but UTC-4 in summer (EDT). The converter uses approximate offsets; for precise conversions that account for DST changes on specific dates, use specialized tools or check current DST status. DST dates vary by country and region, so always verify for important scheduling.
Common time zone conversions
Popular conversions include: New York to London (5 hours difference, NY behind), Los Angeles to Tokyo (17 hours difference, LA behind), London to Sydney (10-11 hours difference depending on DST), New York to Los Angeles (3 hours difference, NY ahead). Understanding these common conversions helps with international communication and travel planning. The converter handles all time zones, so you can convert between any two locations.
When to use a time zone converter
Use this converter for scheduling international meetings or calls, planning travel (knowing arrival times in local time), coordinating with remote teams across time zones, understanding when events occur in other locations, or calculating time differences for business or personal purposes. It's essential for anyone working globally or communicating across time zones regularly.
Tips for time zone management
Always specify time zones when scheduling (e.g., "3 PM ET" not just "3 PM"). Use 24-hour format or specify AM/PM clearly. Be aware of DST changes, which occur on different dates in different regions. Double-check conversions for important events. Consider using world clock apps or tools that show multiple time zones simultaneously. When traveling, adjust gradually to new time zones to minimize jet lag.
Summary
This time zone converter converts dates and times between different time zones worldwide. Enter date and time, select source and destination time zones, then click Get result. It's free, works in your browser, and requires no account. Use it for scheduling, travel planning, or understanding time differences. Note that this converter uses approximate offsets; for precise conversions accounting for DST changes, verify with current time zone information or specialized tools.