A whole turkey must reach 165 °F (74 °C) in the thickest part of the thigh, breast and stuffing for safety.
How to use the Turkey Size and Cooking Time Calculator
- Guests
- Weight per guest
- Stuffed?
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Guest numbers set the weight; weight sets roasting and thawing time. Always confirm with a food thermometer.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Guests | A number |
| Weight per guest | Units: lb, kg |
| Stuffed? | Choose one: Unstuffed, Stuffed |
What each result means
- Turkey size = [Guests]×[Weight per guest]
- Fridge thawing time = [Pounds]÷4.5
Example values
How the main result changes when Guests changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Guests | Turkey size (lb) |
|---|---|
| 5 | 7.5 |
| 7.5 | 11.2 |
| 10 | 15 |
| 12.5 | 18.7 |
| 15 | 22.5 |
| 20 | 30 |
Formula
Size ≈ 1.5 lb per guestRoasting ≈ 13–15 min per lb unstuffed at 325 °FThawing ≈ 24 h per 4–5 lb in the fridgeWorked example
Inputs — Guests: 10; Weight per guest: 1.5 lb; Stuffed?: Unstuffed.
Results — Turkey size = 15 lb; Approximate roasting time = 3 h 30 min; Fridge thawing time = 3.3 days.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know it is done?
A food thermometer must read 165 °F (74 °C) in the thigh, wing and breast.
Can I thaw a turkey on the counter?
No; thaw in the fridge or in cold water changed every 30 minutes.
What formula does the Turkey Size and Cooking Time Calculator use?
Size ≈ 1.5 lb per guest.