The simplest answer to how long to boil eggs is 6 minutes for soft, 8 minutes for jammy and 10 to 12 minutes for hard-boiled eggs. Start the timer when the eggs go into gently boiling water, then cool them promptly so they do not keep cooking.
Quick reference chart
| Question | Best answer | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Soft-boiled egg | About 6 minutes | Set white and a runny yolk. |
| Medium or jammy egg | About 8 minutes | Soft, spoonable yolk for toast or salads. |
| Hard-boiled egg | 10–12 minutes | Firm yolk for sandwiches and packed lunches. |
| Very large/cold eggs | Add a little time | Size and fridge temperature can change timing. |
| After boiling | Cold water | Stops cooking and helps peeling. |
Step-by-step method
- Bring a pan of water to a gentle boil; use enough water to cover the eggs.
- Lower eggs in carefully with a spoon so they do not crack on the base of the pan.
- Start a timer immediately: about 6 minutes for soft, 8 for jammy, or 10 to 12 for hard-boiled eggs.
- Keep the water at a gentle boil rather than a violent rolling boil.
- When the timer ends, transfer eggs to a bowl of cold water or run them under cold water.
- Peel once cool enough to handle, or serve soft eggs straight away in egg cups.
Do eggs need to be at room temperature?
No. Eggs from the fridge can go into the pan, though very cold or especially large eggs may need a little longer. Lowering them gently helps avoid cracks.
Why do hard-boiled eggs get a grey ring?
Overcooking can create a grey-green ring around the yolk. Use a timer, avoid cooking longer than needed and cool eggs promptly.
How do you make boiled eggs easier to peel?
Cooling eggs in cold water helps. Gently crack the shell all over and peel under a little running water if shell fragments are stubborn.
What to read next
For more practical guides, see how long to boil potatoes, how long to boil broccoli, can you freeze eggs, Practical Guides hub.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you boil eggs for a runny yolk?
About 6 minutes after gently lowering eggs into boiling water usually gives a set white and a runny yolk.
How long for a jammy boiled egg?
About 8 minutes gives a soft, jammy yolk. Cool the egg promptly in cold water when the timer ends.
How long for hard-boiled eggs?
Cook eggs for about 10 to 12 minutes, depending on their size and how firm you prefer the yolk.
Should you put eggs in cold water after boiling?
Yes. Cold water stops the cooking and can make the eggs easier to peel.
BM_HARD_PUSH_20260822: Food-timing cluster: dedicated timing intent for soft, jammy and hard-boiled eggs. It does not overlap the freezer egg-storage guide. Featured visual marker: BM_BOIL_EGGS_GUIDE_20260822_VISUAL.