Enter the weight of the meat in pounds into the calculator to determine the cooking time based on a rate of 15 minutes per pound.

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.