Stage

Temperature (F)

Temperature (C)

Description

Uses (examples)

Thread

230° - 233°

110° - 111°

Forms thin, fine thread when dropped into cold water. 

Frosting, Syrup 

Soft ball

234° - 240°

112° - 116°

Forms soft ball when dropped into cold water. Flattens when removed.

Marshmallows, Fudge

Firm ball

244° - 248°

118° - 120°

Forms firm ball when dropped into cold water. Does not flatten when removed.

Caramels

Hard ball

250° - 266°

121° - 130°

Forms hard ball when dropped into cold water. Holds its shape.

Divinity

Soft crack

270° - 290°

132° - 143°

Separates into hard threads when dropped into cold water.

Taffies

Hard crack

300° - 310°

149° - 154°

Separates into brittle threads when dropped into cold water.

Brittles

Caramel

338°

198°

Darkens barley sugar.

Color, Flavoring