What Size Turkey for Christmas? Thawing and Cooking Times (UK)
Allow 450 to 675 g of turkey per person, because a whole bird is about half bone. For 8 adults and 2 children that is a 6.5 kg turkey, which needs about 4 days to thaw in the fridge and 3 h 40 min in the oven at 180°C (160°C fan). The charts cover other sizes.
Turkey size by number of guests
Kilograms to buy, at three amounts per person (450 g is a minimum with plenty of other food; 675 g is standard; 900 g leaves lots of leftovers):
| Guests | 450 g each | 675 g each | 900 g each |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2.0 kg | 3.0 kg | 4.0 kg |
| 6 | 3.0 kg | 4.5 kg | 5.5 kg |
| 8 | 4.0 kg | 5.5 kg | 7.5 kg |
| 10 | 4.5 kg | 7.0 kg | 9.0 kg |
| 12 | 5.5 kg | 8.5 kg | 11.0 kg |
| 15 | 7.0 kg | 10.5 kg | 13.5 kg |
| 20 | 9.0 kg | 13.5 kg | 18.0 kg |
Count children as half. For a bird over about 7 kg consider two smaller ones, which cook more evenly. Use the Christmas turkey calculator for your own table.
Thawing and cooking times
The Food Standards Agency says to allow 10 to 12 hours a kilo in the fridge (we use 12). The cooking time is 20 minutes a kilo plus 70 minutes for a turkey under 4 kg, or plus 90 minutes for a bigger one, at 180°C (160°C fan):
| Turkey | Serves (675 g each) | Fridge thaw | About | Cooking time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 kg | 5 | 42 hours | 2 days | 2 h 20 min |
| 4.5 kg | 6 | 54 hours | 3 days | 3 h |
| 5.5 kg | 8 | 66 hours | 3 days | 3 h 20 min |
| 6.5 kg | 9 | 78 hours | 4 days | 3 h 40 min |
| 7.5 kg | 11 | 90 hours | 4 days | 4 h |
| 9 kg | 13 | 108 hours | 5 days | 4 h 30 min |
Christmas Day 2026 timeline
Christmas Day falls on Friday 25 December. Put a frozen turkey into the fridge by these dates, which include a spare day:
| Turkey | Thaw time | Into the fridge by |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5 kg | 2 days | Tuesday 22 December |
| 4.5 kg | 3 days | Monday 21 December |
| 5.5 kg | 3 days | Monday 21 December |
| 6.5 kg | 4 days | Sunday 20 December |
| 7.5 kg | 4 days | Sunday 20 December |
| 9 kg | 5 days | Saturday 19 December |
Cooking it safely
- Thaw in the fridge, on the bottom shelf in a tray, never at room temperature. A turkey should be fully thawed before cooking.
- Do not wash it. It spreads germs around the kitchen. Wash your hands, boards and utensils after touching raw meat.
- Check it is cooked: the juices should run clear and the thickest part of the thigh should reach 70°C for at least 2 minutes.
- Rest it for 30 to 60 minutes under foil, which also frees the oven for the roast potatoes.
- Chill leftovers quickly (within 1 to 2 hours), and use them within 2 days.
Mistakes that cost people their Christmas dinner
- Starting the thaw too late. A big bird takes three or four days in the fridge.
- Buying a turkey that does not fit in the oven. Measure the oven and the roasting tin first.
- Cooking by the clock alone: use a probe.
- Forgetting that the fridge is full of other food. Make room for the turkey early.
Frequently asked questions
What size turkey do I need for 10 people at Christmas?
About 7 kg at 675 g a head, or 6.5 kg for 8 adults and 2 children. Buy more if you want leftovers for Boxing Day.
How long does it take to thaw a turkey?
Allow 10 to 12 hours per kilo in the fridge. A 6.5 kg turkey needs about 78 hours, or 4 days. Never thaw it at room temperature.
How long do I cook a turkey?
At 180°C (160°C fan) allow 20 minutes a kilo plus 70 minutes for a bird under 4 kg, or plus 90 minutes if it is bigger. A 6.5 kg turkey takes 3 h 40 min. Check with a probe: 70°C in the thickest part of the thigh.
When should I take the turkey out of the freezer?
For Christmas Day on Friday 25 December, a 6.5 kg turkey needs to go into the fridge by Sunday 20 December, allowing a spare day. The timeline below shows each size.
More guides
Tools & materials for this project
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. These links do not change what you pay.
Estimates only. Quantities depend on your materials, site and supplier. Confirm important numbers before you order, and check the Building Regulations and any planning rules for anything structural or close to a boundary.