What Size Turkey for 20 People?

For 20 people you need 13.5 kg of turkey at 675 g a person. That is too big for one bird, so buy two turkeys of about 7.0 kg, each thawing in about 4 days in the fridge.

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Turkey to buy

13.5 kg

For 20.0 servings, rounded up to the next half kilo

Servings: 20.0 people

Thawing a frozen turkey

In the fridgeAllow 10 to 12 hours a kilo, on the bottom shelf in a tray to catch drips: 162 hours
Which is aboutStart early: it should be fully thawed before you cook it: 7 days

Cooking

Roasting time at 180°C (160°C fan)20 minutes a kilo plus 90 minutes: 6 h
In minutes: 360 min
Rest before carvingCover with foil and a clean towel: 30 to 60 min
Safe core temperatureCheck the thickest part of the thigh with a probe: the juices must run clear: 70°C

These are guides: ovens vary, so check your turkey's label and use a probe thermometer. Always thaw a turkey fully in the fridge, wash your hands and surfaces after handling raw meat, and do not wash the bird. Cook a stuffed turkey for the time on the pack, which is based on the weight of the bird and the stuffing separately.

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 20 people

These weights are for a whole turkey, with each adult counted as one portion and each child as half, rounded up to the next half kilo. This page uses 675 g a person: change the appetite and guests in the calculator to match your table.

How hungry are they?	Turkey to buy
450 g each: a minimum, with lots of other food	9.0 kg
675 g each: standard, with some left over	13.5 kg
900 g each: plenty of leftovers	18.0 kg

If you have children at the table

Guests	Turkey at 675 g each	Portions
20 adults	13.5 kg	20.0
20 adults and 2 children	14.5 kg	21.0
20 adults and 4 children	15.0 kg	22.0
20 adults and 6 children	16.0 kg	23.0

Thawing and cooking

A turkey this big will not fit most domestic ovens, so buy two birds of about 7.0 kg. Each needs about 4 days to thaw in the fridge and cooks for 3 h 50 min at 180°C (160°C fan).

Always thaw a turkey fully in the fridge and never wash the bird. Read what size turkey for Christmas for the full guide, or use the Christmas turkey calculator for your own guest list. Ordering from a butcher? Ask for a weight of about 675 g per person.

Want to change anything else? The calculator above is the full Christmas Turkey Calculator (UK): edit any number and the results update instantly.

Tools & materials for this project

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Roasting tin with rack Digital meat thermometer Cooking foil (heavy duty)Carving set Food storage containers

Frequently asked questions

What size turkey do I need for 20 people?

13.5 kg in total at 675 g a person, which is too big for one bird. Buy two turkeys of about 7.0 kg each.

How much turkey per person?

Allow 450 to 675 g of whole turkey a person, because about half of a whole bird is bone. Go to 900 g if you want cold turkey for Boxing Day.

Do children count as a full portion?

Count them as half. With 20 adults and 4 children the turkey is 15.0 kg instead of 13.5 kg.

How long does a turkey for 20 people take to cook?

Two 7.0 kg birds each take 3 h 50 min at 180°C (160°C fan).

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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