Egg Boiling Timer
Calculate the perfect egg boiling time based on egg size and desired doneness. Free online egg timer with charts and breakdown for soft, medium, and hard boiled eggs.
About This Calculator
The Egg Boiling Time Calculator helps you cook eggs to your exact preference — whether you want a runny soft-boiled yolk, a jammy medium-boiled center, or a fully set hard-boiled egg. Just select your egg size and desired doneness to get the precise boiling time.
This calculator uses the standard egg boiling times established by culinary experts. The times assume eggs are placed into already-boiling water (not started in cold water). For best results, use room-temperature eggs and immediately cool them in ice water after boiling to stop the cooking process.
Cooking Method
Place eggs gently into boiling water using a slotted spoon. Start the timer as soon as the eggs enter the water. Maintain a gentle boil throughout. When time is up, immediately transfer eggs to an ice bath or run under cold water for at least 1-2 minutes to halt cooking.
Regional Notes
Worldwide: Egg sizes vary by region. US sizes (Jumbo, XL, Large, Medium, Small, Peewee) and EU sizes (XL, L, M, S) differ slightly in weight. This calculator uses the common culinary size categories that work across all regions. Adjust boiling time by ±30 seconds if your eggs are noticeably larger or smaller than standard.
High Altitude: At elevations above 1,000 meters (3,280 ft), water boils at a lower temperature. Increase boiling time by approximately 30 seconds per 300 meters (1,000 ft) of elevation gain to compensate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to soft boil an egg?
For a large egg straight from the fridge, soft boiling takes about 5-6 minutes. Small eggs take 3-4 minutes, medium eggs take 4-5 minutes, and extra-large eggs take 6-7 minutes. A soft-boiled egg has a firm white and a runny, golden yolk.
How long does it take to hard boil an egg?
For a large egg, hard boiling takes about 9-10 minutes. Small eggs need 7-8 minutes, medium eggs need 8-9 minutes, and extra-large eggs need 11-12 minutes. A hard-boiled egg has both a firm white and a fully set yolk.
Should I boil eggs from cold or room temperature?
Starting with room-temperature eggs reduces the risk of cracking and gives more consistent results. If using fridge-cold eggs, add about 30 seconds to 1 minute to the boiling time. Always lower eggs gently into boiling water using a spoon.
Does altitude affect egg boiling time?
Yes, at higher altitudes the lower boiling point of water means eggs need more time to cook. At 1,500m (5,000 ft) elevation, add about 1 minute. At 3,000m (10,000 ft), add 2-3 minutes. Use our calculator's times as a baseline and adjust for your altitude.
How do I stop the cooking process after boiling?
Immediately transfer boiled eggs to a bowl of ice water or run them under cold tap water for 1-2 minutes. This stops residual heat from continuing to cook the yolk and makes the eggs easier to peel. For hard-boiled eggs, shocking in ice water also helps separate the shell from the egg white.
Why do my hard-boiled eggs have a green ring around the yolk?
A greenish-gray ring around the yolk is caused by overcooking. When eggs boil too long, iron from the yolk reacts with sulfur from the white to form ferrous sulfide. To prevent this, use the exact boiling time from our calculator and immediately cool the eggs in ice water.
How can I make eggs easier to peel?
Use eggs that are 7-10 days old for easier peeling — fresh eggs have a lower pH which makes the membrane stick. Add half a teaspoon of salt or baking soda to the boiling water. After cooking, crack the shell all over and roll the egg gently before peeling under running cold water.
What is the difference between medium and hard boiled eggs?
Medium-boiled (also called jammy or half-boiled) eggs have a firm white with a partially set, fudgy yolk that is still slightly soft in the center. Hard-boiled eggs have a fully firm white and a completely set, crumbly yolk. Medium-boiled eggs take about 6-8 minutes for a large egg.