How this calculator works
A whole turkey is about half bone and trim, so the usual rule is 1 to 1½ pounds of turkey per person. Children count as half. Thawing in the refrigerator takes 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds (we use 4 to be safe), and in cold water 30 minutes a pound. Roasting times come from the USDA chart for an unstuffed turkey at 325°F.
Worked example: 10 adults and 2 children at 1½ lb each is 11 servings, so a 17 lb turkey. It needs 5 days to thaw in the refrigerator (or 8.5 hours in cold water), and roasts for 3 h 45 min to 4 h 15 min at 325°F. Stuffed, it takes 4 h 15 min to 4 h 45 min.
Thawing and roasting by turkey size
Unstuffed at 325°F. Refrigerator thaw is 24 hours for every 4 lb, rounded up.
| Turkey | Serves (at 1.5 lb each) | Fridge thaw | Cold-water thaw | Roasting time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 lb | 6 | 3 days | 5.0 hours | 2 h 45 min to 3 h |
| 12 lb | 8 | 3 days | 6.0 hours | 2 h 45 min to 3 h |
| 14 lb | 9 | 4 days | 7.0 hours | 3 h to 3 h 45 min |
| 16 lb | 10 | 4 days | 8.0 hours | 3 h 45 min to 4 h 15 min |
| 18 lb | 12 | 5 days | 9.0 hours | 3 h 45 min to 4 h 15 min |
| 20 lb | 13 | 5 days | 10.0 hours | 4 h 15 min to 4 h 30 min |
| 22 lb | 14 | 6 days | 11.0 hours | 4 h 30 min to 5 h |
| 24 lb | 16 | 6 days | 12.0 hours | 4 h 30 min to 5 h |
Tips before you buy
- Start thawing early. A 16 lb turkey needs 4 days in the refrigerator, and a turkey that is still frozen on the morning is the most common Thanksgiving problem.
- A rule of thumb is 1 to 1.5 lb per person, because a whole turkey is about half bone. Buy more if you want leftovers.
- Roast on a rack in a pan, breast side up, and use a thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone.
- Over 20 lb, consider two smaller birds or a bird and a breast, which cook more evenly and finish sooner.
- Brining or dry-brining the day before makes the meat juicier. Allow room in the refrigerator for the bird and the brine.
Tools & materials for this project
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Frequently asked questions
How big a turkey do I need for 12 people?
About 17 pounds at 1½ lb per person for 10 adults and 2 children, or 18 lb for 12 adults. Buy 1 lb a head for the minimum, and 2 lb if you want a lot of leftovers.
How long does it take to thaw a turkey?
In the refrigerator, 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds: 5 days for a 17 lb bird. In cold water, 30 minutes per pound, changing the water every 30 minutes, so 8.5 hours.
How long do you roast a turkey?
At 325°F an unstuffed 17 lb turkey takes 3 h 45 min to 4 h 15 min. Cook to 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh, and let it rest 20 to 30 minutes.
How much turkey for 4 people?
6 lb at 1½ lb a head, which is below 8 lb, so a bone-in turkey breast is the usual choice. For 20 adults and 4 children you need 33 lb, which is best as two birds.
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