Turkey size for 14 people
These figures are for whole turkey, counting each adult as one serving and each child as half. The turkey on this page is sized at the standard 1.25 lb a person, the calculator's default; choose 1.5 lb or 2 lb a person if you want leftovers, and change the guests in the calculator to match your table.
| How hungry are they? | Turkey to buy |
|---|---|
| 1 lb each: the USDA minimum, with lots of sides | 14 lb |
| 1.25 lb each: standard | 18 lb |
| 1.5 lb each: some leftovers | 21 lb |
| 2 lb each: plenty of leftovers | 28 lb |
If you have children at the table
| Guests | Turkey at 1.25 lb each | With leftovers (1.5 lb) | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 adults | 18 lb | 21 lb | 14.0 |
| 14 adults and 2 children | 19 lb | 23 lb | 15.0 |
| 14 adults and 4 children | 20 lb | 24 lb | 16.0 |
| 14 adults and 6 children | 22 lb | 26 lb | 17.0 |
Thawing and roasting
An 18 lb turkey needs 5 days to thaw in the refrigerator (24 hours for every 4 lb, rounded up), or 9 hours in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Roast it at 325°F for 3 h 45 min to 4 h 15 min unstuffed, until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F. The 21 lb leftovers bird needs 6 days to thaw and 4 h 30 min to 5 h to roast.
Never thaw a turkey on the counter. Read how long to thaw a turkey and how long to cook a turkey for the full timings, or use the Thanksgiving dinner calculator for the sides and pies. The Thanksgiving timeline for 14 people turns it into dates and oven times.
Fourteen guests: check the pan before you buy
At the standard 1.25 lb a person, 14 guests need an 18 lb turkey; for leftovers at 1.5 lb each it is 21 lb, and at the USDA's 1 lb each 14 lb. Before buying the larger size, lower the oven rack and measure the space, and make sure the roasting pan holds the bird inside its rim.
The 18 lb bird thaws in 5 days in the refrigerator and roasts 3 h 45 min to 4 h 15 min at 325°F, unstuffed. About half of it is meat once cooked, roughly 9.0 lb, or 10 oz for each of the 14, which is a full plate with seconds for most of the table.
Want to change anything else? The calculator above is the full Turkey Size Calculator: How Big a Turkey for Thanksgiving?: edit any number and the results update instantly.
Tools & materials for this project
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Frequently asked questions
How big a turkey do I need for 14 people?
An 18 lb turkey, at the standard 1.25 lb of whole bird per person. If you want leftovers, 1.5 lb a person makes it 21 lb. At the USDA minimum of 1 lb a person it is 14 lb, and for plenty of leftovers (2 lb each) it is 28 lb.
How much turkey per person?
The USDA's consumer guide allows about 1 lb of whole turkey per person for a fresh or frozen bird, and 1¼ lb for a frozen pre-stuffed one, because much of a whole bird is bone. This page and the calculators use 1.25 lb as the standard; 1.5 lb gives some leftovers (21 lb for 14 people), and 2 lb gives turkey sandwiches for days.
Do children count as a full person?
Count them as half. With 14 adults and 4 children the turkey is 20 lb instead of 18 lb.
How many days to thaw a turkey for 14 people?
An 18 lb turkey needs 5 days in the refrigerator at 40°F or below, so start thawing 5 to 6 days before you cook.
Related sizes and guides
Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.