Boiling Point at Altitude Calculator
Calculate how altitude affects boiling point due to decreased atmospheric pressure
Calculate Boiling Point at Altitude
Sea level = 0 meters
Different substances have different altitude sensitivities
Boiling Point Results
Altitude: 0 meters (0 feet)
Analysis: Standard atmospheric conditions
Sea Level Boiling Point: 100.0°C for Water (H₂O)
Famous Altitudes
Denver, Colorado
Altitude: 1,609 m (5,280 ft)
Water BP: ~94.2°C (201.6°F)
"Mile High City"
Mexico City
Altitude: 2,240 m (7,350 ft)
Water BP: ~92.4°C (198.3°F)
World's largest high-altitude city
La Paz, Bolivia
Altitude: 3,515 m (11,532 ft)
Water BP: ~89.3°C (192.7°F)
World's highest capital city
Mount Everest Base Camp
Altitude: 5,364 m (17,598 ft)
Water BP: ~83.3°C (181.9°F)
Extreme altitude cooking challenges
High Altitude Cooking Tips
Water boils at lower temperature, requiring longer cooking times
Pasta and rice take significantly longer to cook
Baking requires recipe adjustments for leavening agents
Pressure cookers are highly effective at high altitudes
Understanding Altitude Effects on Boiling Point
Why Does Altitude Matter?
As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases. Since liquids boil when their vapor pressure equals the surrounding atmospheric pressure, lower atmospheric pressure means liquids will boil at lower temperatures.
Barometric Formula
P = P₀ × (1 - L×h/T₀)^(g×M/(R×L))
- P: Pressure at altitude
- P₀: Sea level pressure (101,325 Pa)
- h: Altitude (meters)
- L: Temperature lapse rate (0.0065 K/m)
- T₀: Sea level temperature (288.15 K)
Practical Implications
Cooking
Foods take longer to cook due to lower boiling temperatures. Recipes often need modification.
Baking
Lower air pressure affects leavening agents. Adjustments needed for flour, sugar, and liquids.
Laboratory Work
Distillation and purification processes are affected by altitude-dependent boiling points.
Altitude Rules of Thumb
- • Every ~300m (1000ft): Water BP drops ~1°C (2°F)
- • Cooking time increases by ~5% per 1000ft
- • Baking: Reduce sugar, increase liquid, decrease leavening
- • Pressure cookers become more effective at altitude
Important Considerations
Substance Dependency
Different substances respond differently to pressure changes based on their heat of vaporization
Temperature Effects
The calculations assume standard atmospheric temperature. Local weather affects results
Humidity Impact
High humidity can slightly affect atmospheric pressure and thus boiling points