Time Zones of the United States Quiz
Geographic & political time zones (10 questions).
Time Zones of the United States Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Timekeeping in the United States is complex, spanning from the Atlantic to the Pacific and beyond to territories in the Caribbean and Oceania. This quiz tests your knowledge of the standard time zones, Daylight Saving Time exceptions, and time differences across the country.
The Lower 48 states span four main zones: Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific.
Most of Arizona and all of Hawaii do not observe Daylight Saving Time.
There is a three-hour difference between the East Coast (New York) and the West Coast (California).
U.S. time zones extend to Puerto Rico (Atlantic) in the east and Guam (Chamorro) in the west.
Key Takeaways
- There are four main time zones in the contiguous U.S.: Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific.
- Alaska and Hawaii have their own distinct time zones.
- The time difference between neighboring zones is usually one hour.
- Arizona (excluding the Navajo Nation) and Hawaii do not observe Daylight Saving Time.
- Boundaries between time zones sometimes split states, such as Tennessee, Kentucky, and Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many time zones are in the US?
By law, there are nine standard time zones officially used in the U.S. and its territories, ranging from Atlantic to Chamorro Standard Time.
Which states are split by time zones?
Several states have two time zones, including Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, and Idaho, often divided by rivers or historical boundaries.
What is the time difference between NY and LA?
New York (Eastern Time) is 3 hours ahead of Los Angeles (Pacific Time). When it is noon in New York, it is 9:00 AM in Los Angeles.
Does everyone in the US use Daylight Saving Time?
No. Hawaii and most of Arizona (excluding the Navajo Nation) do not observe DST, nor do U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and Guam.
Is Alaska in the Pacific Time Zone?
No. Most of Alaska is in the Alaska Time Zone, which is one hour behind Pacific Time. A small portion of the Aleutian Islands is even further behind.
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