Egg timer
How long to boil an egg
These times are for a large egg straight from the fridge, lowered into water that is already boiling. Start the timer the moment the egg goes in.
Runny yolk, just-set white – 5 minutes. Soft-boiled, for dipping toast – 6 minutes. Jammy yolk, for ramen and salads – 7 minutes. Medium, yolk set but still soft – 8 minutes. Hard-boiled, fully set yolk – 10 minutes.
Adjust for size, temperature and altitude
Small eggs need about 45 seconds less, extra-large eggs about 45 seconds more. Eggs at room temperature cook faster, so take off about 45 seconds. Above about 600 m water boils at a lower temperature; the calculator adds roughly a minute for every 300 m higher. The timer updates as you change the options.
When the timer rings, move the eggs into cold water for a minute. It stops the cooking and makes the shell easier to peel.
Questions
How long do you boil an egg for a runny yolk?
About 5 to 6 minutes for a large egg from the fridge, started in boiling water. 6 minutes gives a soft yolk with a fully set white.
How long to hard boil eggs?
About 10 minutes in boiling water for a large egg. Go to 11 or 12 minutes for extra-large eggs or if you like the yolk very firm and pale.
Should I start the timer in cold or boiling water?
These times assume the egg goes into water that is already boiling. Starting in cold water depends on your pot and stove, so the result is less predictable.
Can I boil several batches at once?
Yes. Open the kitchen timer to run several named timers side by side, for example soft eggs for one person and hard for another.