What Size Turkey for 6 People?

For 6 people buy a 4.5 kg turkey, at 675 g a person. Allow about 3 days to thaw in the fridge and 3 h in the oven at 180°C (160°C fan), plus 30 to 60 minutes to rest.

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Turkey to buy

4.5 kg

For 6.0 servings, rounded up to the next half kilo

Servings: 6.0 people

Thawing a frozen turkey

In the fridgeAllow 10 to 12 hours a kilo, on the bottom shelf in a tray to catch drips: 54 hours
Which is aboutStart early: it should be fully thawed before you cook it: 3 days

Cooking

Roasting time at 180°C (160°C fan)20 minutes a kilo plus 90 minutes: 3 h
In minutes: 180 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 6 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	3.0 kg
675 g each: standard, with some left over	4.5 kg
900 g each: plenty of leftovers	5.5 kg

If you have children at the table

Guests	Turkey at 675 g each	Portions
6 adults	4.5 kg	6.0
6 adults and 2 children	5.0 kg	7.0
6 adults and 4 children	5.5 kg	8.0
6 adults and 6 children	6.5 kg	9.0

Thawing and cooking

A 4.5 kg turkey needs about 3 days to thaw in the fridge (allow 12 hours a kilo, so 54 hours), and cooks for 3 h at 180°C (160°C fan), which is 180 minutes. Rest it for 30 to 60 minutes under foil.

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 750 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 6 people?

A 4.5 kg turkey, at 675 g of whole bird a person, rounded up to the next half kilo. For a minimum of 450 g each it is 3.0 kg, and for lots of leftovers (900 g each) it is 5.5 kg.

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 6 adults and 4 children the turkey is 5.5 kg instead of 4.5 kg.

How long does a turkey for 6 people take to cook?

A 4.5 kg turkey takes 3 h at 180°C (160°C fan): 20 minutes a kilo plus 90 minutes. Check that the thickest part of the thigh reaches 70°C and the juices run clear.

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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