How Big a Turkey for 30 People?

For 30 people you need 45 lb of turkey at 1.5 lb a person. That is too big for one bird, so buy two turkeys of about 23 lb. Each thaws in 6 days in the refrigerator.

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Turkey to buy

45 pounds

Over 24 lb: two smaller turkeys cook faster and more evenly

Servings: 30.0 people

Thawing

Thaw in the refrigerator24 hours for every 4 to 5 lb, at 40°F or below. The safest way: 12 days
Or in cold water30 minutes a lb in a sealed bag, changing the water every 30 minutes. Cook it right away: 22.5 hours

Roasting

Roast at 325°F, unstuffedCheck with a thermometer, not the clock: Over 24 lb: cook two smaller birds
Safe internal temperatureIn the thickest part of the breast and thigh, and the stuffing: 165°F
Rest before carvingCover loosely with foil: 20 to 30 min

Roasting times are the USDA chart for an unstuffed turkey at 325°F and change with the oven, the pan and the bird, so cook to temperature. Never thaw a turkey on the counter. A frozen turkey can be cooked from frozen, but takes about 50% longer.

Before you buy: round up to whole packs, check the size printed on the label, and add a little spare. Your supplier has the final say.

Turkey size for 30 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 1.5 lb a person; change the appetite and 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	30 lb
1.25 lb each: standard	38 lb
1.5 lb each: some leftovers	45 lb
2 lb each: plenty of leftovers	60 lb

If you have children at the table

Guests	Turkey at 1.5 lb each	Servings
30 adults	45 lb	30.0
30 adults and 2 children	47 lb	31.0
30 adults and 4 children	48 lb	32.0
30 adults and 6 children	50 lb	33.0

Thawing and roasting

A turkey this size does not fit most ovens and cooks unevenly, so buy two birds of about 23 lb. Each one needs 6 days to thaw in the refrigerator and roasts for 4 h 30 min to 5 h at 325°F, unstuffed. Roast them side by side on two racks, or one after the other.

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.

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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Roasting pan with rack Instant-read meat thermometer Brining bag Disposable roasting pans Gravy separator

Frequently asked questions

How big a turkey do I need for 30 people?

45 lb in total at 1.5 lb a person, which is too big for one bird. Buy two turkeys of about 23 lb each, which cook faster and more evenly.

How much turkey per person?

Plan 1 to 1.5 lb of whole turkey per person, because about half of a whole bird is bone. Use 1 lb if there are many sides, 1.5 lb for leftovers and 2 lb if you want turkey sandwiches for days.

Do children count as a full person?

Count them as half. With 30 adults and 4 children the turkey is 48 lb instead of 45 lb.

How many days to thaw a turkey for 30 people?

Two 23 lb birds each need 6 days in the refrigerator.

Related sizes and guides

Related sizes

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.

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