Enter the size of your turkey in pounds into the calculator to determine the total cook time, defrost time, number of people it can feed, and more!

Turkey Calculator

FAQ

How long does it take to cook a turkey?

At 325°F, a common rule of thumb is about 13–15 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey and about 15–17 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey, but times vary by size and oven. Always cook until a food thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast, thigh, and wing; if stuffed, the center of the stuffing must also reach 165°F.

How long does it take to defrost a turkey?

Allow about 24 hours of refrigerator thawing for every 4–5 pounds of frozen turkey. If you need to thaw faster, you can thaw in cold water at about 30 minutes per pound (≈2.5 hours per 5 pounds), changing the water every 30 minutes.

Can you cook a frozen turkey?

Yes—it’s possible to cook a turkey from frozen, but it will take significantly longer (often about 50% longer than a thawed turkey of the same size). You’ll also need to remove the giblets once the cavity has thawed enough. Cook until a thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).

How many people does a turkey feed?

Plan on about 1–1.5 pounds of turkey per person (closer to 1.5 pounds if you want leftovers). For example, a 15 lb turkey can feed about 10 people at 1.5 lb per person.

What temperature do you cook a turkey at?

325°F is the standard recommended oven temperature for roasting a whole turkey in a conventional oven. Some recipes use 350°F; whichever you use, cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

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