Egg Storage Calculator
How long do your eggs last? Select the form and storage method for USDA-based guidance.
Keep in original carton, not in door. Best freshness within 3 weeks.
Complete Storage Reference
| Form | Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw (in shell) | Refrigerator (40°F/4°C) | 35 days | Keep in original carton, not in door. Best freshness within 3 weeks. |
| Raw (in shell) | Counter (room temp) | 7 days | Only for unwashed eggs. USDA recommends always refrigerating in the US. |
| Raw (in shell) | Freezer | N/A | Do NOT freeze eggs in shell — they will crack. Remove from shell first. |
| Raw (cracked/beaten) | Refrigerator | 2 days | Cover tightly. Use within 2 days. Can freeze in ice cube trays. |
| Raw (cracked/beaten) | Freezer | 365 days | Freeze in ice cube trays or muffin tins. Thaw in fridge overnight before use. |
| Hard-boiled (in shell) | Refrigerator | 7 days | Do not peel until ready to eat. Peeled hard-boiled eggs: 5 days max. |
| Hard-boiled (peeled) | Refrigerator | 5 days | Store in airtight container with damp paper towel to prevent drying. |
| Hard-boiled | Counter | 2h | 2 hours max at room temperature (1 hour if above 90°F/32°C). USDA food safety rule. |
| Cooked egg dishes | Refrigerator | 4 days | Quiche, frittata, casseroles. Reheat to 165°F (74°C) before eating. |
| Cooked egg dishes | Freezer | 60 days | Freezing may change texture. Wrap tightly in foil and freezer bags. |
| Egg whites (raw) | Refrigerator | 4 days | Cover tightly. Good for meringues, angel food cake. |
| Egg whites (raw) | Freezer | 365 days | Freeze individually in ice cube trays. 1 cube ≈ 1 white. |
| Egg yolks (raw) | Refrigerator | 2 days | Cover with water to prevent drying, or mix with pinch of salt/sugar before storing. |
| Egg yolks (raw) | Freezer | 365 days | Mix with 1/8 tsp salt or 1.5 tsp sugar per 4 yolks before freezing to prevent gelation. |
Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, FoodSafety.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do eggs last in the fridge?
Raw eggs in shell last 4-5 weeks in the refrigerator (35 days from pack date per USDA). Keep them in the original carton on an interior shelf — not in the door, where temperature fluctuates. Hard-boiled eggs last 7 days in shell, 5 days peeled.
Can you freeze eggs?
Yes, but NOT in the shell. Beat raw eggs lightly, pour into ice cube trays or muffin tins, and freeze for up to 12 months. Egg whites freeze well on their own. For yolks, mix with a pinch of salt or sugar before freezing to prevent them from becoming gelatinous.
How long can cooked eggs sit out?
Per USDA food safety guidelines, cooked eggs should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if ambient temperature exceeds 90°F/32°C). This applies to hard-boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, quiche, and any egg-containing dish.
Why should eggs be stored in the carton?
The carton protects eggs from absorbing strong odors from other foods (the shell is porous), prevents moisture loss, and keeps them at a consistent temperature. The carton also displays the Julian date and expiration date for freshness tracking.