How to Tell if an Egg Is Still Good: Understanding the Float Test

At Eggspress Yourself, we're all about helping backyard chicken keepers make the most of every egg they collect. One of the easiest ways to estimate an egg's age is with the float test—a quick kitchen trick that uses nothing more than a bowl of water.

But here's something many people don't realize:

The float test tells you how old an egg is—not necessarily whether it's safe to eat.

Why Do Eggs Float?

Eggshells are naturally porous. As an egg ages, small amounts of moisture and carbon dioxide slowly escape while air enters through the shell. This causes the air cell inside the egg to grow larger over time.

The larger the air cell, the more buoyant the egg becomes.

How to Read the Float Test

🥚 Fresh Egg – Sinks Flat

If the egg sinks to the bottom and lies flat on its side, it's very fresh. These eggs are at their highest quality and are perfect for just about any recipe.

🥚 Good Egg – Sinks but Tilts

An egg that sinks but begins to tilt upward is a little older but is usually still in excellent condition. It's a good idea to use these eggs sooner rather than later.

🥚 Older Egg – Stands Upright

If the egg stands on its pointed end while remaining on the bottom, it's getting older. The enlarged air cell is making it more buoyant, but the egg is often still perfectly usable. These are great eggs to use soon for baking or cooking.

🥚 Floating Egg

If the egg floats to the surface, it has a large air cell and is likely quite old. That doesn't automatically mean it's bad.

Instead of throwing it away immediately, crack it into a separate bowl first. If it looks normal and smells fresh, it's often still safe to use. However, if it has an unpleasant odor, unusual color, or strange texture, it's best to discard it.

A Simple Rule to Remember

When in doubt, crack it out!

The float test is a helpful guide, but your eyes and nose are still the best tools for deciding whether an egg should be used.

Keep Your Eggs Fresh Longer

To help preserve freshness after collection:

• Refrigerate eggs at 40°F (4°C) or below.
• Store eggs in their carton to help protect them from bumps and refrigerator odors.
• Label your carton with the collection date so you can use the oldest eggs first.
• Rotate your eggs regularly so none get forgotten in the back of the refrigerator.

At Eggspress Yourself, we believe that understanding your eggs is just as important as enjoying them. That's why we're sharing practical Daily Egg Tips to help you collect, store, and enjoy every dozen with confidence.

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A Friendly Reminder

The information shared by Eggspress Yourself is intended for general educational purposes and is based on commonly accepted egg-handling practices. It is not a substitute for guidance from food safety authorities, veterinarians, medical professionals, or your local extension service. The float test is a helpful indicator of an egg's age, but it does not determine whether an egg is safe to eat. When in doubt, crack the egg into a separate bowl and check for any unusual odor or appearance. If anything seems off, it's best to discard the egg.