Boiled egg timing by doneness
The times below are typical for a large egg lowered gently into water that is already boiling. Start the timer the moment the egg goes in, not when you switch on the burner.
| Doneness | Typical time | What you usually get |
|---|---|---|
| Soft | about 6 minutes | Set white, runny yolk |
| Jammy | about 7 minutes | Set white, glossy yolk that is soft and spoonable |
| Medium | 8 to 9 minutes | Yolk firm at the edge, creamy in the middle |
| Hard | 10 to 12 minutes | Fully set, pale yellow yolk |
Why your eggs may come out differently
Egg timing is a range, not a law. A few things shift the result:
- Starting temperature. An egg straight from the fridge needs a little longer than one that has been sitting on the counter.
- Size. Medium eggs finish sooner than large ones, and extra-large eggs take longer.
- Altitude. Water boils at a lower temperature the higher you go, so eggs usually need extra time in the mountains.
- The pot. Dropping cold eggs into a small pot can stop the boil for a minute or two. Use enough water to cover the eggs and let it come back to a steady boil.
Treat your first batch as a calibration run. Write down the time that gave you the yolk you like and repeat it. Once you know your stove, your pot and your eggs, the number becomes very reliable.
Stop the cooking straight away
When the alarm sounds, move the eggs into a bowl of cold water, ideally with a few ice cubes. This halts the cooking so the yolk does not keep firming up from the heat in the shell. A couple of minutes is typically enough for hard-boiled eggs. Soft eggs that you plan to eat warm usually only need a short rinse.
Peeling and serving
Tap the egg all over on the counter, roll it gently, and peel under a thin stream of cold water, starting at the wider end where the air pocket sits. Many cooks find that eggs which are a week or two old peel more cleanly than very fresh ones. Soft eggs are usually served in an egg cup: slice off the top and eat with a small spoon.
If you want to run a different length, the 8-minute timer and the 10-minute timer are one click away, and the full countdown timer accepts any time you type. Making a pot of tea at the same time? The tea timer has steeping times by type. If you are cooking for someone with specific food-safety concerns, follow your local public health guidance on how long eggs should be cooked.
Questions
How long does it take to boil an egg?
For a large egg added to boiling water, about 6 minutes gives a soft yolk, about 7 minutes a jammy centre, 8 to 9 minutes a medium yolk and 10 to 12 minutes a fully set one. Egg size, starting temperature and altitude all shift these times, so use them as a starting point and adjust.
Should I start the timer when the water boils or when the egg goes in?
Start it when the egg goes into water that is already boiling. If you start the egg in cold water and heat it together, the timing is different and depends on your stove, so most timings you find online assume boiling water from the start.
Why do eggs cook longer at high altitude?
Water boils at a lower temperature as altitude increases, so the water around the egg is not as hot. That means the egg takes longer to reach the same doneness. Add a minute or two and adjust to taste after your first batch.
Do I need to put boiled eggs in cold water?
It is commonly recommended. Cold or iced water stops the residual heat from continuing to cook the yolk, and many people find the shell easier to peel afterwards. A bowl of cold water for a couple of minutes is typically enough.