Estimate ham cooking time by weight and cut, or find weight from cooking time using the 15-minutes-per-pound rule and 325°F oven temp.

15 Minutes Per Pound Calculator

Choose a method, enter the known values, then calculate.

15 min/lb
Ham chart
The standard rule is 15 minutes per pound at about 325°F.
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Cooking Time Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the cooking time.

CT = W * 15

Variables:

  • CT is the cooking time (minutes)
  • W is the weight of the meat (pounds)

To calculate the cooking time, multiply the weight of the meat by 15 minutes per pound.

What is the 15 Minutes Per Pound Rule?

The 15 minutes per pound rule is a general guideline used in cooking to estimate the time it takes to roast meat. It is based on the assumption that for every pound of meat, it will take approximately 15 minutes of cooking time at a certain oven temperature, usually around 325°F (163°C). This rule is often applied to cooking large cuts of meat like turkey, ham, or roast beef. However, it is important to note that actual cooking times can vary based on factors such as the type of meat, its starting temperature, and the accuracy of the oven's thermostat.

How to Calculate Cooking Time?

The following steps outline how to calculate the cooking time using the 15 minutes per pound rule.


  1. First, determine the weight of the meat (W) in pounds.
  2. Next, use the formula CT = W * 15 to calculate the cooking time (CT) in minutes.
  3. Finally, use the calculator above to verify your result by entering the weight of the meat.

Example Problem : 

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

Weight of the meat (W) = 5 pounds

Using the formula CT = W * 15, the cooking time (CT) would be 5 * 15 = 75 minutes.