The shell of an egg should never be soft, but a good way to tell is by shaking the egg. Old eggs tend to float, whether raw or boiled, as they have lost moisture and their density has decreased. Fresh eggs sink in water, whether raw or hard boiled.

How do you know when boiled eggs are done?

If you’re wondering how to tell an egg is hard boiled, set it on the counter and give a quick spin. Once it’s moving, tap your finger on it to stop the spinning. Eggs that are cooked will spin easily and rapidly and stop quickly.

Is a boiled egg done when it floats?

If the egg sinks or stays at the bottom, it is still fresh. An older egg will either stand on its end or float. The float test works because air builds up inside the egg as it ages, and this increases its buoyancy. However, an egg that floats may still be safe to eat.