Egg Boiling Time Calculator
Soft, medium, or hard, adjusted for altitude.
Cook for
6:00
Yolk is jammy and bright. Toast soldier territory.
Tips
- Drop eggs into already-boiling water for the most consistent timing. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer once they're in.
- Plunge into ice water for 5 minutes after cooking. It stops the cooking and makes peeling easier.
- A week-old egg peels better than a fresh one.
Base times are for large eggs starting in boiling water. The altitude bump assumes water boils about 2°F lower per 1,000 ft. Times are guidance, not gospel.
About
Boiling times for eggs aren't universal. Cold-start vs hot-start matters. Egg size matters. Altitude drops boiling temp, so eggs need longer at high elevations. This calculator handles all three.
How to use
- Pick the doneness (soft, medium, hard).
- Pick egg size and start (cold or boiling water).
- Enter altitude.
- See the cook time.
FAQ
Which start method is better?+
Hot start (drop into boiling water) gives more consistent timing and easier peeling. Cold start (start in cold water) cooks more evenly but is harder to time. Most pros use hot start.
Why does altitude matter?+
Water boils cooler at altitude. At 5000 feet, water boils at 203F instead of 212F. Eggs need longer to set the yolk. Add roughly 1 minute per 1500 feet.