The standard method for boiling eggs typically requires about 6-7 minutes for a hard-boiled egg and 3-4 minutes for a soft-boiled egg. The duration varies depending on the desired level of doneness and the size of the eggs. Hard-boiled eggs are fully cooked and have a solid yolk, while soft-boiled eggs have a runny yolk. The cooking time is influenced by the egg's size, with larger eggs taking longer to cook.

The reason for these specific times lies in the heat required to denature the proteins in the egg white and yolk. When eggs are placed in boiling water, the heat causes the proteins to coagulate, leading to the solidification of the egg white and the yolk. The cooking time is a balance between ensuring the egg is fully cooked and preventing overcooking, which can result in a tough texture. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), eggs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. The cooking time for hard-boiled eggs is sufficient to reach this temperature, while soft-boiled eggs are cooked for a shorter period to maintain a runny yolk.