Soft crack Stage Temperature
270–290°F
at sea level · 95% sugar
In cold water: solidifies into threads
Used for saltwater taffy, butterscotch.
Source: Exploratorium: Science of Cooking — sugar stages. Checked Oct 13, 2026.
Soft crack at your altitude
Sea level270–290°F
1,000 ft268–288°F
2,000 ft266–286°F
3,000 ft264–284°F
4,000 ft262–282°F
5,000 ft260–280°F
6,000 ft258–278°F
7,000 ft256–276°F
8,000 ft254–274°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.