Turkey Calculator — Size, Thawing & Cooking Time
Plan the centerpiece of the holiday meal. Find out how big a turkey to buy for your guest count, when to start thawing, and how long to roast it, using USDA food safety guidelines.
Buy a turkey of about
Cook until the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh and the wing all reach 165°F (74°C) on a food thermometer, and let the bird rest 20–30 minutes before carving.
How to use the turkey calculator
- Enter how many people you are feeding and how hungry they are, and whether you want leftovers.
- Choose whole turkey, bone-in breast or boneless roast. Boneless needs less weight per person because there is no bone.
- Read the size to buy, thawing times, roasting time and the date to move it to the fridge. If you already have a turkey, enter its weight instead.
Turkey safety and timing
A whole bird is about 1 to 1½ pounds per person, since part of the weight is bone. The USDA recommends thawing in the refrigerator, allowing about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds, so a 20-pound turkey needs four to five days. In a hurry, thaw it in its wrapping in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes, and allow about 30 minutes per pound. Never thaw a turkey on the counter.
Roasting times here follow the USDA chart for an oven set to 325°F with a fully thawed bird. Stuffed turkeys take longer, and the stuffing itself must also reach 165°F; many cooks bake stuffing separately for that reason. Times are a guide only. Ovens vary, so check the temperature with a food thermometer and start checking early.
Plan backward from dinner time: add the roasting time plus about 30 minutes of resting, then build in time to get side dishes into the oven once the turkey comes out. A turkey can rest under foil for up to an hour without getting cold.
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Frequently asked questions
How big a turkey do I need for 10 people?
About 12–15 pounds for a whole bird, more if you want leftovers.
How long does a 20 lb turkey take to cook?
About 4¼ to 4½ hours unstuffed at 325°F, or 4¼ to 4¾ hours stuffed, until it reaches 165°F.
How long does a turkey take to thaw?
About 24 hours per 4–5 pounds in the refrigerator, or 30 minutes per pound in cold water.
Can I cook a turkey from frozen?
Yes, according to the USDA, but it takes about 50% longer, and you cannot remove the giblets until it has partly thawed in the oven.