Turkey Size and Cooking Time Calculator
Enter how many adults and children you are feeding. The calculator suggests a turkey size, a roasting time at 325 F and how far ahead to start thawing.
Type a number and the answer appears straight away.
Turkey size to buy14 lb6.4 kg
- Roasting time at 325 F (165 C)
- 3 hr to 3 hr 45 min
- Thawing in the refrigerator
- 4 days
- Thawing in cold water
- 7 hours
- Safe internal temperature
- 165 F (74 C)
- Rest before carving
- 20 to 30 minutes
An approximate guide. Ovens and birds vary, so go by a thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh, not by the clock.
The math behind it: Turkey Size and Cooking Time
turkey weight = adults x 1 lb (1.5 lb with leftovers) + children x half as much
For 8 adults and 2 children with leftovers, buy a 14 lb turkey. Unstuffed at 325 F it roasts for about 3 hours to 3 hours 45 minutes, and it needs 4 days to thaw in the refrigerator.
Treat the times as an approximate guide. Ovens and birds differ, so the only reliable test is a thermometer: the turkey is done when the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165 F (74 C).
Common questions
How big a turkey do I need per person?
Allow 1 lb per adult, or 1.5 lb if you want leftovers, and half as much for children. Ten adults with no leftovers need a 10 lb turkey.
How long does it take to cook a turkey?
At 325 F, an unstuffed 10 lb turkey takes about 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours, and a 14 lb turkey about 3 hours to 3 hours 45 minutes. A stuffed bird takes 15 to 30 minutes longer.
How long does a turkey take to thaw?
In the refrigerator, allow one day for every 4 lb: 3 days for a 12 lb bird and 4 days for 14 to 16 lb. In cold water, changed every 30 minutes, allow 30 minutes per pound.
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