Turkey calculator

Find the right size turkey for your guests, how long to thaw and roast it, and what time it needs to go in the oven for dinner to be on time.

1. How big a turkey do I need?

Leftovers?

Buy a 15 lb whole turkey.

Based on 1 1/2 pounds of whole turkey per person.

2. Thawing and roasting times

Stuffed?

Roast at 325°F for 3 hr 45 min to 4 hr 15 min.

Thaw in the fridge4 days
Or thaw in cold waterabout 7 hr 30 min
Done when the thigh reads165°F (74°C)
Rest before carving20 to 30 min

Your timeline

  1. Saturday, Nov 21: move the frozen turkey to the fridge (on a tray).
  2. 10:05 AM: take the turkey out of the fridge and heat the oven to 325°F.
  3. 11:05 AM: turkey goes in the oven.
  4. 2:50 PM: start checking the temperature.
  5. 3:20 PM: latest time out of the oven; rest under foil.
  6. 4:00 PM: carve and serve.

Times are USDA guidelines for a thawed turkey in a 325°F oven. Cold water thawing means changing the water every 30 minutes and cooking the turkey right after. Always confirm with a thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh, the wing and the breast.

How this calculator works

The turkey size uses the common planning rule of 1 pound of whole turkey per guest, or 1 1/2 pounds with leftovers. Thawing and roasting times come from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service charts for a turkey roasted at 325°F (163°C).

The timeline works backward from your dinner time. It uses the longest roasting time for your turkey's weight, plus 30 minutes to rest and 10 minutes to carve, so you have a buffer instead of a rush.

Three rules for a safe, juicy turkey

  • Thaw in the fridge, not on the counter. Leaving a turkey out lets the outside warm into the danger zone while the inside is still frozen.
  • Trust a thermometer, not the clock. Ovens and birds vary. Start checking at the low end of the time range.
  • Rest before carving. Slicing right away pushes the juices onto the board.

Ready to cook? Follow our step-by-step easy roast turkey recipe and see the full Thanksgiving menu.

Frequently asked questions

How much turkey per person?

Plan on about 1 pound of whole turkey per person for dinner, or 1 1/2 pounds per person if you want leftovers. Bone and drippings make up a good part of a whole bird's weight.

How long does it take to thaw a turkey in the fridge?

The USDA recommends about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds in a refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or colder. A 16 pound turkey needs about 4 days.

How long to cook a turkey at 325°F?

For an unstuffed turkey, the USDA lists about 2 3/4 to 3 hours for 8 to 12 pounds, 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours for 14 to 18 pounds and 4 1/2 to 5 hours for 20 to 24 pounds. Stuffed turkeys take longer.

What temperature should turkey be when done?

165°F (74°C), checked in the thickest part of the thigh, the wing and the breast. If the turkey is stuffed, the center of the stuffing must also reach 165°F.

Can I cook a turkey that is still frozen?

Yes. The USDA says a frozen turkey can be roasted safely, but it takes about 50% longer than a thawed one. Remove the giblet bag with tongs once it loosens during cooking.

How long should a turkey rest?

Rest it loosely covered with foil for 20 to 30 minutes before carving so the juices settle back into the meat.

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