How long to boil eggs, really
"How long to boil eggs" is one of the most searched cooking questions on the internet, and the honest answer is "it depends" — so this tool does the deciding for you. Pick a doneness, a size, and an altitude, and the timer gives you an exact countdown instead of a vague guess.
The two tricks that actually matter
- Ice bath immediately after: move eggs straight from the pot into ice water for at least 5 minutes. This stops the cooking instantly and makes peeling far easier.
- Peel from the wide end: that's where the air pocket sits, so the shell separates from the membrane more easily. Peel under cool running water for the cleanest result.
An egg's favorite workout? Whisking it all. Sorry. We had to.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you boil eggs for hard boiled?
About 12 minutes for a large egg, starting from already-boiling water. Drop straight into an ice bath afterward so they stop cooking and peel cleanly.
How long do you boil eggs for soft boiled?
About 6 minutes for a large egg from boiling water gives a fully-set white with a jammy, runny center. Go to 7 minutes for a slightly firmer yolk.
Should eggs go into cold water or boiling water?
Boiling-water start gives the most consistent, repeatable timing, which is what the timer above uses. If you prefer a cold start (eggs in the pot before the water heats), add about 5 minutes to hit the same doneness.
Why are my hard boiled eggs hard to peel?
Very fresh eggs are harder to peel because the shell bonds tightly to the membrane. Eggs that are about a week old peel much more easily — and a full ice-bath soak after cooking helps every time.
Does altitude change egg boiling time?
Yes. Water boils at a lower temperature above roughly 3,000 feet, so eggs need a little longer — add about 1 minute at high altitude.