Why does water boil at a lower temperature at altitude?

Boiling occurs when vapor pressure equals atmospheric pressure; since atmospheric pressure drops at altitude, water reaches that point at a lower temperature, which is why high-altitude cooking often needs adjusted times.

Water Boiling Point at Altitude Calculator

Estimate the boiling point of water at a given altitude, since lower atmospheric pressure at higher elevations reduces the boiling temperature.

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Results

Estimated Boiling Point: 95 °C

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Formula

Boiling Point ≈ 100°C − (Altitude / 300)

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Heat and Environment: Conduction, Altitude, and Free Fall

Conduction heat transfer, water's boiling point at altitude, atmospheric pressure at altitude, and free-fall time — four calculations describing heat and altitude effects.

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