Thanksgiving food for 12 people
These amounts are for 12 adults at a standard appetite with several sides. Teenagers count as full portions and young children as half. Change the appetite, children and pies in the calculator to match your table.
| Dish | Amount for 12 | Per person |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 15 lb | About 1¼ lb of whole bird each |
| Potatoes, raw | 6 lb | About ½ lb each |
| Stuffing | 9 cups | About ¾ cup each, cooked |
| Green beans or another vegetable | 3.00 lb | About ¼ lb each |
| Cranberry sauce | 3.00 cups | About ¼ cup each |
| Gravy | 5.0 cups | About ⅓ to ½ cup each |
| Dinner rolls | 18 | About 1½ each |
| Butter | 1.00 lb | Rolls, potatoes and cooking |
| Pies (8 slices each) | 3 | A slice and a bit each, and one of each of 3 kinds |
| Whipped cream | 1.5 pints | About 2 tablespoons a slice |
Light, standard or hearty appetites
| Appetite | Turkey | Potatoes (raw) | Rolls | Pies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light: many sides and desserts | 12 lb | 5 lb | 15 | 3 |
| Standard | 15 lb | 6 lb | 18 | 3 |
| Hearty, with leftovers | 20 lb | 8 lb | 24 | 3 |
If children are coming
| Guests | Turkey | Potatoes (raw) | Rolls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 adults | 15 lb | 6 lb | 18 |
| 12 adults and 2 children | 17 lb | 7 lb | 20 |
| 12 adults and 4 children | 18 lb | 7 lb | 21 |
Order the turkey first and start thawing it early: a 15 lb bird needs about 4 days in the refrigerator. Use the Thanksgiving dinner calculator for your own guest list, or read how much food per person.
Want to change anything else? The calculator above is the full Thanksgiving Dinner Calculator: How Much Food Per Person: edit any number and the results update instantly.
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Frequently asked questions
How much food do I need for Thanksgiving dinner for 12 people?
For 12 people at a standard appetite: a 15 lb turkey, 6 lb of raw potatoes, 9 cups of stuffing, 18 rolls, 5.0 cups of gravy and 3 pies. The table has the vegetable, cranberry, butter and whipped cream amounts too.
How big a turkey for 12 people at Thanksgiving?
About 15 lb at 1¼ lb a person for a standard dinner with lots of sides. For leftovers use 1.5 lb a person, which is 18 lb. See the turkey size for 12 people page for thawing and roasting.
How many pies for 12 people?
3 pies of 8 slices, which gives every guest a slice and a bit and at least one pie of each of three kinds. With a hearty appetite it is 3.
How much food if there are children?
Count children as half a guest. With 12 adults and 4 children the turkey goes from 15 lb to 18 lb.
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.