Adjusting for Elevation When Canning Food

Adjustments must be made for different altitudes when canning food. Boiling points are different at every elevation. Water begins to boil quicker and at a lower temperature as altitude increases. These lower boiling temperatures will not kill bacteria effectively. To ensure pressure reaches the required 240°F, these adjustments must be made:

Pounds of Pressure at:

Elevation Dial Gauge Weighted Gauge
Sea Level 10 10
1,000 ft 10 ½ 15
2,000 ft 11 15
3,000 ft 11 ½ 15
4,000 ft 12 15
5,000 ft 12 ½ 15
6,000 ft 13 15
7,000 ft 13 ½ 15
8,000 ft 14 15
9,000 ft 14 ½ 15
10,000 ft 15 15

Source: Homestead Harvest