The United States of America (USA) is a vast country, spanning from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. As a result, it has nine different time zones, which are used to keep track of time across the country. There is a 9-time zone in the USA Time Zone Map. All-time zone boundaries and DST observance are looking after by the Department of Transportation.
USA Time Zone Map
- Eastern Time (ET)
- Central Time (CT)
- Mountain Time (MT)
- Pacific Time (PT)
- Alaska Time (AKDT)
- Hawaii-Aleutian Time (HST)
- Atlantic Time (AST)
- Indiana-Michigan Time (IST)
- Newfoundland Time (NST)
The time zones are named after the regions of the USA where they are used. For example, Eastern Time is used in the easternmost states of the USA, such as New York and Florida. Central Time is used in the central states, such as Illinois and Texas. Mountain Time is used in the western states, such as Colorado and Utah. Pacific Time is used in the westernmost states, such as California and Oregon.
The time zones in the USA are based on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). UTC is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time. It is within about 1 second of mean solar time at 0° longitude and is not adjusted for daylight saving time.
Here are some additional tips for understanding USA time zones:
- When you are traveling, be sure to check the time zone of your destination before you go.
- If you are calling someone in another time zone, be sure to ask them what time it is there.
- If you are using a website or app that displays the time in different time zones, be sure to select the correct time zone for your location.
By following these tips, you can easily keep track of time across the USA and avoid any confusion.
What is Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)?
UTC is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time. It is within about 1 second of mean solar time at 0° longitude and is not adjusted for daylight saving time.
How are the time zones in the USA offset from UTC?
The time zones in the USA are offset from UTC by a number of hours and minutes. For example, Eastern Time is 5 hours behind UTC (UTC-5), Central Time is 6 hours behind UTC (UTC-6), Mountain Time is 7 hours behind UTC (UTC-7), and Pacific Time is 8 hours behind UTC (UTC-8).