The world consists of many time zones because instead of having a one-hour difference. Some countries use 30-45 minutes apart from each time zone. Most time zones were named after the country, but since there are too many of them, it's hard to remember all of the time zones. For example, ET, EST, and EDT are used in several countries, but they should not be interchanged because they don't mean the same thing. Read on and learn how you can use these terms correctly.

ET, EST, and EDT

ET stands for Eastern Time, which is used in several US states, including the following:

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• part of Florida
• Georgia
• part of Indiana
• part of Kentucky
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• part of Michigan
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• part of Tennessee
• Vermont, Virginia
• West Virginia

The following places use EST year-round:

• Nunavut - Southampton Island only (Coral Harbour)
• Quintana Roo
• Cayman Islands
• Jamaica
• Panama

ET is used to denote the local time in areas that observe both Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). It is essential to understand that EST and EDT refer to different time zones because Eastern Standard Time is five hours behind the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). On the other hand, Eastern Daylight Time is four hours behind UTC. ET switches to ESt and EDT at some time of the year, during Daylight Saving Time.

 

EST and EDT: The Main Difference

Some people get confused between Eastern Standard Time and Eastern Daylight Time. To remember it correctly, EST is when North Americans live with it during fall and winter. Meanwhile, EDT happens during spring and summer. Just remember the world daylight to connote spring and summer because there are additional daylight hours used during this period.

 

Does Daylight Saving Time Add Additional Daylight?

There's a reason why states or countries need to undergo clock changes and switch from EST to EDT. Some countries observe Daylight Saving Time because they believe it adds extra hours of daylight. But does it give you additional daylight hours? According to National Geographic, the clock shift idea is to maximize the sunlight in the Northern Hemisphere. This happens as the days start to lengthen in the spring and then wane in the fall. With spring forward and fall back, people add an hour of sunlight to the end of the workday (related: its 5 oclock somewhere).

People have different opinions regarding Daylight Saving Time. And whether you are in favor of it or not, preparing yourself with the clock changes is important. Not only it allows you to keep updated with time, but it also prepares you mentally, emotionally, and physically. If you live in states or countries that observe the Eastern Time, make sure you know how to use EST and EDT correctly. Though ET, EST, and EDT could be confusing, sometimes familiarizing yourself with these terms can help you manage your time wisely.