Perfect Egg Timer
Select your desired doneness with our interactive guide. Adjust for egg size and starting temperature to boil the perfect egg every time.
07:00
Calculated Time
Desired Doneness
Medium SoftResult at 7 Minutes
Firm whites, jammy, slightly fudgy yolk — ramen style.
Modifiers
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The Ultimate Egg Boiling Times Chart
Whether you're making gooey ramen eggs or firm eggs for a salad, keeping track of exactly how long to boil your eggs is crucial. Refer to our reference chart below based on standard large eggs starting in boiling water.
| Egg Size | Soft Boiled | Medium Boiled | Hard Boiled |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (S) | 3-4 minutes | 5-6 minutes | 8-9 minutes |
| Large (L) - Standard | 5-6 minutes | 7-8 minutes | 10-12 minutes |
| Extra Large (XL) | 6-7 minutes | 8-9 minutes | 12-14 minutes |
* Times may vary slightly based on altitude, amount of water, and starting water temperature (always start counting when water returns to a rolling boil).
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I start with cold or boiling water?
Most chefs agree that gently lowering eggs into already boiling water makes peeling them significantly easier afterward. The sudden heat shock prevents the egg white from bonding to the inner membrane.
What is an ice bath and why is it important?
An ice bath is a bowl filled with cold water and ice cubes. The moment your timer goes off, transfer your cooked eggs immediately into the ice bath. This stops the cooking process instantly (preventing the dreaded gray ring around the yolk) and shrinks the egg inside the shell, making peeling a breeze.
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