Enter the weight of the item in pounds into the calculator to determine the total cooking time at a rate of 13 minutes per pound.

13 Minutes Per Pound Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the total cooking time based on the weight of the item:

TCT = W * 13

Variables:

  • TCT is the total cooking time (minutes)
  • W is the weight of the item (pounds)

To calculate the total cooking time, multiply the weight of the item by 13 minutes per pound.

What is the 13 Minutes Per Pound Rule?

The 13 minutes per pound rule is a cooking guideline that suggests cooking an item for 13 minutes for every pound it weighs. This rule is often used for roasting or baking items such as poultry, meat, or other dense foods. It provides a simple way to estimate cooking times without the need for constant monitoring. However, it is important to note that actual cooking times may vary based on the specific oven, the temperature used, and the characteristics of the item being cooked.

How to Calculate Total Cooking Time?

The following steps outline how to calculate the total cooking time using the 13 minutes per pound rule.


  1. First, determine the weight of the item (W) in pounds.
  2. Next, use the formula from above: TCT = W * 13.
  3. Finally, calculate the total cooking time (TCT) in minutes.
  4. After inserting the weight and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Weight of the item (W) = 5 pounds

Using the 13 minutes per pound rule, the total cooking time (TCT) would be calculated as follows:

TCT = 5 pounds * 13 minutes per pound = 65 minutes