Soft ball Stage Temperature
235–240°F
at sea level · 85% sugar
In cold water: a soft, flexible ball
Used for fudge, pralines, fondant.
Source: Exploratorium: Science of Cooking — sugar stages. Checked Oct 13, 2026.
Soft ball at your altitude
Sea level235–240°F
1,000 ft233–238°F
2,000 ft231–236°F
3,000 ft229–234°F
4,000 ft227–232°F
5,000 ft225–230°F
6,000 ft223–228°F
7,000 ft221–226°F
8,000 ft219–224°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.