Learn how to choose a base time zone for reliable scheduling across locations—plus DST tips and mistakes to avoid.
How to Pick the Right Base Time Zone
If you schedule across locations, a good base time zone keeps everyone aligned—even during DST changes.
1) Pick the “center of gravity”
Choose the time zone where most team members, customers, or deadlines sit. If most work is in Chicago and London, Central Time (US) or UTC often works.
2) Consider UTC for global teams
UTC never changes for daylight saving time. Great for documentation (“Due 17:00 UTC”) and APIs.
3) Set your calendar’s “primary” zone
Make your calendar’s default match your base. Invitees will see events converted to their own zone automatically.
4) Watch for DST windows
The US and Europe switch on different dates. In those weeks, time gaps shift temporarily. Our Time Zone Converter avoids mistakes—double-check critical meetings there.
5) Publish a one-liner
“All times are posted in [Your Base TZ] (UTC-5 / UTC-4 in DST).” This heads-up reduces confusion.
Quick links:
• Email us with suggestions: contact@quickconvertpro.com