At what temperature does water boil? Explaining water's boiling point and how long it will take.

Anxious for your pasta water to reach a boiling point? You’re probably tired of hearing "a watched pot never boils."

That’s why instead we have the hard facts for you on the science behind the temperature of boiled water, how fast it will boil, and whether a lid on your pot or some salt in your water will speed up the process.

At what temperature does water boil?

The boiling point of water is 212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Celsius at sea level. That means in most places this is the temperatures of boiled water. However, as you rise above sea level water will boil at a lower temperature.

Can water boil at 200 degrees?  

The temperature at which water boils varies based on elevation. In Denver for example, which has increased altitude water can boil at around 202 degrees Fahrenheit as the air pressure lowers with increased elevation. On Mount Everest the boiling point of water will fall between 160 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can water get hotter than 212 degrees?

Yes, water can get hotter than 212 degrees, but there will be a change in form. As water boils at this temperature, it changes from a liquid to a gas. That gas, or water vapor can continue to rise in temperature.

Liquid water however becomes unstable at 212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 Celsius and cannot “boil” in as it will have already transformed into water vapor.

At what temperature does water freeze?

Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius. Neither the boiling of water or the freezing of water are chemical changes, as the chemical formula remains H₂O, they are mere changes of physical state.

How to boil water?

Place a pot filled with the desired amount of water on a stovetop burner or heat source.

How long does it take for water to boil?

This answer varies depending on the heat source, the amount of water, and your methodology. The hotter your burner the faster you water will reach its boiling point. Similarly, the less water you have in your pot, the faster it will boil.

Does cold water boil faster?

This is a myth. In fact, cold water takes longer to boil. For all water to reach a boiling point it has to reach the right temperature, warmer water has a head start in this process.

Does water boil faster with a lid?

Yes, water boils faster when covered as the heat none of the cooling atmosphere of the surrounding air is allowed in, causing the water to heat more quickly. 

Does salt make water boil faster?

Not in any significant way. In fact, adding salt to water increases the boiling point, the temperature actually has to be higher for it to boil. However, it also holds true that saltwater is less resistant to heat change than freshwater meaning less heat is required to increase the temperature.

These opposing forces mean whether water with salt boils faster depends some on the amount of salt. Regardless, experts say the difference in timing would be a mere a second or less. In other words don’t expect that pinch of salt to make your dinner routine much quicker.