how long does it take potatoes to boil

Most potatoes take about 10–25 minutes to boil once the water is at a steady simmer, depending mainly on size and whether they’re whole or cut.

Quick Scoop: Typical Boiling Times

• Small cubed potatoes (about 1 cm / ½ inch): 10–12 minutes.

• Medium cubed potatoes (about 2–2.5 cm / 1 inch): 12–15 minutes.

• Small whole potatoes / “baby” potatoes (about 1–2 inches): 12–20 minutes.

• Medium whole potatoes (about 3 inches): 20–25 minutes.

• Large whole potatoes (bigger baking potatoes): 25–30+ minutes.

Start timing once the water reaches a gentle boil, not when you first turn on the heat.

Simple Doneness Test

• Use a fork or small knife and poke the center of the potato.
• If it slides in easily with little resistance and the potato still holds its shape, it’s done.

• If the center feels firm or you have to push, give it a few more minutes and test again.

Whole vs Cut, And What You’re Making

• For mashed potatoes: peeled and cubed potatoes usually take about 10–15 minutes until very soft.

• For potato salad: whole or large chunks are often simmered 15–20 minutes so they’re tender but not falling apart.

• For general sides (boiled potatoes with butter, etc.): baby or small whole potatoes are usually perfect in 12–20 minutes.

A Little “Forum” Flavor

People online love to joke that the “real” rule is just the poke test: keep boiling until a fork slips in easily, then you’re good, regardless of charts. One common tip you’ll see in recent guides is to always start potatoes in cold water and bring them up to a boil together, which helps them cook evenly instead of turning mushy on the outside and hard in the middle.

TL;DR: For most everyday cooking, expect about 10–15 minutes for cubed potatoes and 15–25 minutes for whole potatoes once the water is boiling, and trust the fork test to confirm.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.