Boiling an egg is a balance between heat transfer, egg size, and the initial temperature of the egg. Larger eggs contain more mass, so they require more time for the heat to reach the yolk, while a colder egg needs extra time to overcome the temperature gap.
Altitude also plays a role because water boils at a lower temperature as atmospheric pressure drops. At higher elevations the boiling water is cooler, which slows the cooking process and must be compensated for in the timing.
The following formula combines these factors into a single estimate. It starts with a sizeβbased base time (S), adds a correction for the eggβs starting temperature (T_{start}), and then adjusts for altitude (A). Finally, a small offset is added depending on the desired doneness.
How does egg size affect boiling time?
What is the impact of altitude on egg boiling?
How do I adjust for cold eggs when boiling?
Can you provide the boiling times for different egg sizes?
What is the role of atmospheric pressure in egg boiling?
How do I ensure eggs are cooked evenly?
Can this calculator be used for poached eggs as well?
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.
