Thread Stage Temperature
230–235°F
at sea level · 80% sugar
In cold water: a liquid thread that will not ball up
Used for syrup for pouring over ice cream.
Source: Exploratorium: Science of Cooking — sugar stages. Checked Oct 13, 2026.
Thread at your altitude
Sea level230–235°F
1,000 ft228–233°F
2,000 ft226–231°F
3,000 ft224–229°F
4,000 ft222–227°F
5,000 ft220–225°F
6,000 ft218–223°F
7,000 ft216–221°F
8,000 ft214–219°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.