Egg carton date decoder
Short answer: The 3-digit number on an egg carton is the pack date: the day of the year the eggs were packed, from 001 (January 1) to 365 (December 31). Eggs keep 3–5 weeks in the fridge after you buy them.
How to read an egg carton
Many cartons carry a three-digit pack date, the day of the year the eggs were washed and packed. It runs from 001 (January 1) to 365 (December 31, or 366 in a leap year). It's often printed next to a plant code that starts with "P-".
| Date on the carton | What it means |
|---|---|
| 3-digit pack date | Day of the year the eggs were packed |
| Sell by / EXP | No more than 30 days after packing (USDA-graded eggs) |
| Best by / Use by | No more than 45 days after packing (USDA-graded eggs) |
Once you buy them, raw eggs in the shell keep 3–5 weeks in the fridge, even if the sell-by date passes in that time. Keep them in the carton on a shelf, not in the door. See how long eggs last.
Common questions
What does the 3-digit number on an egg carton mean?
It's the pack date: the day of the year the eggs were packed. 001 is January 1 and 365 is December 31.
Are eggs good after the sell-by date?
Usually, yes. Eggs keep 3–5 weeks in the fridge from the day you buy them, and the sell-by date can pass during that time.
How old can eggs be when I buy them?
For USDA-graded eggs, a sell-by or EXP date can be no more than 30 days after packing, and a best-by date no more than 45 days.
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How long food lasts
Source: USDA shell eggs from farm to table guide. Updated 2026-10-13. General information, not medical advice. When in doubt, throw it out.