Thanksgiving Turkey Planner: Thaw, Roast & Timing Calculator
How big a turkey to buy, when to start thawing it, how long it roasts, and what time it goes in the oven. Figures from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
The short answer: allow 1 pound of turkey per person. Thaw it in the fridge for about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds, so a 16-pound turkey needs 3 to 4 days. Roast it at 325 °F until a thermometer reads 165 °F (74 °C) in the thickest part of the breast and the innermost part of the thigh and wing; an unstuffed 14–18 lb turkey takes 3¾ to 4¼ hours. Let it stand 20 minutes before carving.
Plan your turkey
How much turkey per person?
Allow 1 pound (about 450 g) of turkey per person for a fresh or frozen whole turkey, and 1¼ pounds per person for a frozen pre-stuffed turkey. That is the USDA's guide for the meal itself; buy more if you want leftovers.
| Guests | Turkey (1 lb each) | Frozen pre-stuffed (1¼ lb each) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 lb (1.8 kg) | 5 lb (2.3 kg) |
| 6 | 6 lb (2.7 kg) | 7.5 lb (3.4 kg) |
| 8 | 8 lb (3.6 kg) | 10 lb (4.5 kg) |
| 10 | 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 12.5 lb (5.7 kg) |
| 12 | 12 lb (5.4 kg) | 15 lb (6.8 kg) |
| 16 | 16 lb (7.3 kg) | 20 lb (9.1 kg) |
| 20 | 20 lb (9.1 kg) | 25 lb (11.3 kg) |
How long does a turkey take to thaw?
In the refrigerator (40 °F or below), allow about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. In cold water, allow about 30 minutes per pound: keep it in its leak-proof wrapping, change the water every 30 minutes and cook it as soon as it has thawed. A turkey thawed in the fridge keeps there for another 1 to 2 days.
| Weight | In the refrigerator | In cold water |
|---|---|---|
| 4 to 12 pounds (1.8–5.4 kg) | 1 to 3 days | 2 to 6 hours |
| 12 to 16 pounds (5.4–7.3 kg) | 3 to 4 days | 6 to 8 hours |
| 16 to 20 pounds (7.3–9.1 kg) | 4 to 5 days | 8 to 10 hours |
| 20 to 24 pounds (9.1–10.9 kg) | 5 to 6 days | 10 to 12 hours |
Thawing in the microwave also works if the turkey fits: follow your microwave's manual and cook it straight away. Never thaw a turkey on the counter.
How long does a turkey take to cook?
At 325 °F (160 °C), the USDA times below. They are approximate: always check with a food thermometer. A turkey cooked from frozen takes at least 50 percent longer. For even cooking the USDA suggests baking the stuffing separately; if you do stuff the bird, the centre of the stuffing must also reach 165 °F.
| Weight | Roasting time |
|---|---|
| 4 to 8 pounds (breast) | 1½ to 3¼ hours |
| 8 to 12 pounds | 2¾ to 3 hours |
| 12 to 14 pounds | 3 to 3¾ hours |
| 14 to 18 pounds | 3¾ to 4¼ hours |
| 18 to 20 pounds | 4¼ to 4½ hours |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 4½ to 5 hours |
| Weight | Roasting time |
|---|---|
| 4 to 6 pounds (breast) | Not usually applicable |
| 6 to 8 pounds (breast) | 2½ to 3½ hours |
| 8 to 12 pounds | 3 to 3½ hours |
| 12 to 14 pounds | 3½ to 4 hours |
| 14 to 18 pounds | 4 to 4¼ hours |
| 18 to 20 pounds | 4¼ to 4¾ hours |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 4¾ to 5¼ hours |
How do I know the turkey is done?
A whole turkey is safe at 165 °F (74 °C). Check the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast with a food thermometer — check them even if the turkey has a pop-up timer. Then let it stand for 20 minutes so the juices set and it carves more easily.
How long do turkey leftovers last?
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking (1 hour if it is above 90 °F). Eat turkey, stuffing and gravy within 3 to 4 days, or freeze them and use within 2 to 6 months for best quality. Reheat to 165 °F.
Sources
Checked against the sources on 16 October 2026. Food-safety advice can change; the source pages are the final word.