Firm ball Stage Temperature
245–250°F
at sea level · 87% sugar
In cold water: a firm ball
Used for caramels.
Source: Exploratorium: Science of Cooking — sugar stages. Checked Oct 13, 2026.
Firm ball at your altitude
Sea level245–250°F
1,000 ft243–248°F
2,000 ft241–246°F
3,000 ft239–244°F
4,000 ft237–242°F
5,000 ft235–240°F
6,000 ft233–238°F
7,000 ft231–236°F
8,000 ft229–234°F
Lowered 1°F per 500 ft, per the Exploratorium. For an exact offset, boil water, note your thermometer reading, and subtract the difference from 212°F. Find your boiling point.