Turkey size calculator
Tell us how many people you’re feeding, and get the size of turkey to buy, when to move it to the fridge to thaw, and how long it takes to roast.
How much turkey per person
About a third of a whole turkey’s weight is bone, so plan on 1 pound per person, or 1½ pounds if you want sandwiches the next day. For a boneless turkey breast, half a pound per person is enough. Children eat less, so count two young children as one adult.
Roasting times at 325°F
| Turkey weight | Unstuffed | Stuffed |
|---|---|---|
| 8 to 12 lb | 2.75 to 3 h | 3 to 3.5 h |
| 12 to 14 lb | 3 to 3.75 h | 3.5 to 4 h |
| 14 to 18 lb | 3.75 to 4.25 h | 4 to 4.25 h |
| 18 to 20 lb | 4.25 to 4.5 h | 4.25 to 4.75 h |
| 20 to 24 lb | 4.5 to 5 h | 4.75 to 5.25 h |
Times from the USDA for a fully thawed turkey. Always check the temperature: ovens and birds vary.
Thawing safely
- In the fridge is the easiest way: about one day for every 4 to 5 pounds, on a tray to catch drips. A thawed turkey keeps another day or two in the fridge.
- In cold water when you’re short on time: keep it in its wrapper, fully covered, and change the water every 30 minutes. Cook it as soon as it’s thawed.
- Never on the counter. The outside warms up into the danger zone long before the middle thaws.
Planning the rest of the meal
Our Thanksgiving cooking timeline works back from dinnertime, so you know when the turkey goes in and when to start each side. If guests are bringing dishes, a Thanksgiving sign-up sheet on BringaList lets everyone claim a side or dessert from one link, so you don’t end up with four pies and no rolls.
Questions
How much turkey per person?
Plan about 1 pound of whole turkey per person, or 1½ pounds if you want leftovers. The bones account for much of the weight. For a boneless breast, plan about ½ pound per person.
How long does a turkey take to thaw?
In the refrigerator, allow about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds, so a 16-pound turkey needs about four days. In cold water, allow about 30 minutes per pound and change the water every 30 minutes.
How long do I cook a turkey?
At 325°F, a 12- to 14-pound unstuffed turkey takes about 3 to 3¾ hours. Go by the thermometer, not the clock: it’s done at 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh, the wing and the breast.
Can I cook a turkey that’s still frozen?
Yes. It takes about 50 percent longer than a thawed one, and you can’t stuff it. Remove the giblets once they loosen during cooking.
Keep the recipes you cook
Paste a link from any recipe site and ClipaRecipe saves just the ingredients and steps, with credit to the cook. Scale servings, cook with timers, and find it again next time. Free.