Boiling Point at Altitude Calculator
Calculate the boiling point of water at any altitude.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
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Enter the altitude in meters or feet. The calculator determines the atmospheric pressure at that elevation and uses the Clausius-Clapeyron relation to find the boiling point of water. Results show the boiling point in both Celsius and Fahrenheit.
About Boiling Point at Altitude
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit) at sea level, but this temperature drops as altitude increases. The relationship is governed by atmospheric pressure, which decreases roughly exponentially with elevation. Using the barometric formula and the Clausius-Clapeyron equation, the boiling point can be calculated for any altitude. This is important for cooking, industrial processes, and understanding weather patterns in mountainous regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does water boil at a lower temperature at higher altitudes?
Atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude. Since water boils when its vapor pressure equals atmospheric pressure, lower air pressure means water reaches its boiling point at a lower temperature.
How much does the boiling point drop per 1,000 feet?
The boiling point of water drops by roughly 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) for every 1,000 feet (305 meters) of elevation gain.
How does altitude affect cooking?
At higher altitudes, water boils at a lower temperature, so food takes longer to cook by boiling. Baking also requires adjustments to leavening, liquid, and temperature.