# Steak Cook Time Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/food/steak-cook-time/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The steak cook time calculator gives the grilling or pan-searing time for each side of a steak – by thickness and doneness from rare to well done – the internal temperature to aim for, and how long to rest it.

## Inputs

- Steak thickness
- Doneness
- Method

## Results

- First side
- After turning
- Total cooking time
- Take it off the heat at
- Final internal temperature after resting
- Rest for

## Formula

```
Medium-rare times per side on a hot grill or pan (first side / after turning): ½ in 3/2 min, 1 in 5/4–5 min, 1½ in 7/5–6 min, 2 in 9/7–8 min
Rare −1 min per side; medium +1; medium-well +2; well done +3
Rest 5–10 minutes; temperature rises about 5 °F (3 °C) while resting
```

## Explanation

A thermometer is the most reliable way to judge doneness – pull the steak off the heat about 5 °F (3 °C) below your target. The USDA recommends 145 °F (63 °C) plus a 3-minute rest for whole cuts of beef.

### How to use the Steak Cook Time Calculator

- **Steak thickness**
- **Doneness**
- **Method**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Choose the thickness, the doneness you want and the cooking method.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterSteak thicknessChoose one: ½ in (1.3 cm), ¾ in (1.9 cm), 1 in (2.5 cm), 1¼ in (3.2 cm) …DonenessChoose one: Rare – 120–125 °F (49–52 °C), Medium-rare – 130–135 °F (54–57 °C), Medium – 135–145 °F (57–63 °C), Medium-well – 145–155 °F (63–68 °C) …MethodChoose one: Grill – preheated to 450 °F (232 °C), Cast-iron pan – smoking hot, Broiler – 3–4 in from the heat

## Worked example

Inputs — Steak thickness: 1 in (2.5 cm); Doneness: Medium-rare – 130–135 °F (54–57 °C); Method: Grill – preheated to 450 °F (232 °C).

Results — **First side = 5 min**; After turning = 4.5 min; Total cooking time = 9.5 min; Take it off the heat at = 127 °F; Final internal temperature after resting = 132 °F; Rest for = 6 min.

## FAQ

**How long to cook a 1-inch steak for medium-rare?**
About 5 minutes on the first side and 4–5 after turning on a hot grill.

**What temperature is medium-rare?**
130–135 °F (54–57 °C) after resting.

**Why rest a steak?**
Resting lets juices redistribute so they don't run out when you cut it.


## Sources

- [USDA FSIS – Safe minimum internal temperatures](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/safe-temperature-chart)