Soft Boiled Egg Timer
Written by Mustapha B. · Updated August 13, 2026
A soft boiled egg is about 6 minutes for a runny yolk. Start the timer below.
Boil for
6 minutes
Runny yolk, just-set white.
A soft-boiled egg takes about 6 minutes in gently boiling water, giving you a set white with a warm, runny yolk perfect for dipping toast soldiers or topping ramen and rice bowls. Lower the egg in carefully with a spoon, keep the water at a steady simmer rather than a rolling boil so it doesn't crack, and start the timer the instant the egg goes in.
For a slightly firmer-but-still-soft yolk, nudge it to 6 and a half minutes; cold-from-the-fridge or extra-large eggs may want an extra 30 seconds. When the timer rings, lift the egg out and either serve it right away in an egg cup or give it a brief dunk in cool water so you can handle it. Set your style above and use the built-in countdown to nail that silky, runny yolk every time.
Hard Boiled Eggs Timer, full chart
| How do you want them? | Boil for |
|---|---|
| Soft (runny yolk) | 6 minutes , Runny yolk, just-set white. |
| Jammy (custardy yolk) | 7 minutes , Custardy, jammy center. |
| Medium (fudgy yolk) | 9 minutes , Fudgy, barely-set yolk. |
| Hard (fully set) | 12 minutes , Fully set yolk, no green ring. |
Tips
- Lower eggs gently into already-boiling water, then start the timer.
- Transfer to an ice bath immediately to stop cooking and make peeling easy.
- Older eggs (a week or two) peel far more easily than fresh ones.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a soft-boiled egg take?
About 6 minutes in gently boiling water gives a soft-boiled egg with a set white and a runny yolk. Add roughly 30 seconds for extra-large or fridge-cold eggs.
What's the difference between a soft-boiled and a jammy egg?
A soft-boiled egg at about 6 minutes has a runny yolk, while a jammy egg cooked around 7 minutes has a thicker, custard-like yolk that still flows slightly but holds its shape better.