Turkey Size & Cook Time Calculator – How Much Turkey Per Person
Planning a perfect turkey dinner? Whether you’re cooking for 8 or 30 guests, this smart calculator helps you figure out exactly how much turkey per person, how long to cook a 15 or 16 lb turkey, the right oven temperature, and even thawing time. Skip the guesswork and get roasting with confidence — from size charts to baking times, we’ve got everything you need.
Turkey Cooking Calculator
perfect your calculation for How many lbs of turkey per person
How Much Turkey Per Person?
One of the most common questions during the holiday season is: How much turkey should I buy per person? Getting this right ensures you have plenty for your guests—without drowning in leftovers for days. See more here
🍽️ General Rule of Thumb
| Type of Serving | Turkey Per Person |
|---|---|
| Adults (with leftovers) | 1.5 pounds (0.68 kg) |
| Adults (no leftovers) | 1.25 pounds (0.57 kg) |
| Kids (under 10) | 0.5 to 0.75 pounds (0.23–0.34 kg) |
If you’re planning to serve 12 people, for example, a 16-18 lb turkey will be perfect, especially if you want some leftovers for turkey sandwiches or soup. There is an Alcohol Calculator where you can find wine BAC
👫 Crowd Size vs. Turkey Size
Use this quick reference to estimate the turkey size needed based on your guest count:
| Number of People | Recommended Turkey Size |
|---|---|
| 4 | 6–8 lbs |
| 8 | 10–12 lbs |
| 10 | 13–15 lbs |
| 12 | 16–18 lbs |
| 15 | 20–22 lbs |
| 20 | Two turkeys (12–14 lbs each) |
For large gatherings (e.g. 30 people), consider cooking two medium turkeys instead of one giant bird. This allows for faster cooking and easier carving.
🦴 Don’t Forget About Bone Weight
Whole turkeys include bones and giblets. On average, only 40–50% of a whole turkey is edible meat. That’s why calculating 1.25–1.5 lbs per person is ideal — it compensates for inedible parts.
📝 Quick Tips:
- Boneless turkey breast: 0.75 lb per person
- Turkey with lots of sides: Slightly reduce per person weight
- For leftovers: Add 0.25–0.5 lb extra per person
Turkey Done Right—And Every Other Dish Too with Recipians
Planning the perfect turkey is just the beginning. With Recipians, you get more than just a calculator—you get smart meal planning, 40,000+ step-by-step recipes, nutrition insights, and personalized food suggestions. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Tuesday night dinner, Recipians helps you cook it right, every time.
turkey bake time calculator
Turkey Cooking Time Per Pound (turkey cooking chart)
Whether you’re baking a 10-pound bird or roasting a massive 22-pounder, knowing how long to cook turkey per pound is key to avoiding dry meat or undercooked disasters. This is where the turkey bake time calculator and basic oven rules come into play.
🔥 Standard Oven Cooking Time at 325°F
According to USDA guidelines, roasting a turkey at 325°F is the gold standard. Below is a simple chart to guide you based on whether the bird is stuffed or unstuffed.
| Turkey Weight | Unstuffed (at 325°F) | Stuffed (at 325°F) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 – 12 lbs | 2.75 – 3 hours | 3 – 3.5 hours |
| 12 – 14 lbs | 3 – 3.75 hours | 3.5 – 4 hours |
| 14 – 18 lbs | 3.75 – 4.25 hours | 4 – 4.5 hours |
| 18 – 20 lbs | 4.25 – 4.5 hours | 4.5 – 4.75 hours |
| 20 – 24 lbs | 4.5 – 5 hours | 5 – 5.25 hours |
🧮 Real-Life Example:
How long to cook a 15 pound turkey?
➡️ If unstuffed: Approx. 3.75 to 4.25 hours at 325°F
➡️ If stuffed: Around 4.25 to 4.5 hours
How long to cook a 16 lb turkey?
➡️ Around 4 to 4.25 hours (unstuffed), slightly longer if stuffed
💨 What If You’re Using a Convection Oven?
Cooking turkey in a convection oven? Great! It’ll cook faster and more evenly. Reduce your temperature to 300°F and use this as a general guide:
| Weight | Convection Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 10 lbs | 2.25 – 2.5 hours |
| 15 lbs | 2.75 – 3.25 hours |
| 20 lbs | 3.25 – 3.75 hours |
⏳ Always check the internal temperature — your best friend for food safety. It should reach:
- 165°F in the thickest part of the breast
- 175°F in the thigh
- 165°F in stuffing (if applicable)
🔎 Cooking at Other Temperatures? (e.g. Turkey at 325 – How Long?)
If you’re tempted to bump up the temp for a faster cook, proceed with caution. Higher temps can dry out the meat before it finishes internally.
| Oven Temp | Cooking Time Per Pound (Unstuffed) |
|---|---|
| 325°F | 15 – 17 min/lb |
| 350°F | 13 – 15 min/lb |
| 375°F | 11 – 13 min/lb |
We recommend sticking with 325°F for best results — even cooking, golden skin, and moist meat.
UNDERSTANDING lean body meaning
Turkey Defrosting Time and Tips (Fridge or Cold Water?)
Before you roast, bake, or deep-fry your bird, you’ve got to thaw it properly — and trust us, no one wants a half-frozen turkey on Thanksgiving morning. Let’s break it down clearly with charts and essential know-how.
🧮 How Long Does It Take to Defrost a Turkey in the Refrigerator?
Defrosting in the fridge is the safest and most recommended method by food safety experts. Use this simple rule:
✅ 24 hours of thawing for every 4–5 pounds of turkey
| Turkey Weight | Time to Defrost in Fridge |
|---|---|
| 8 lbs | 2 days |
| 12 lbs | 3 days |
| 16 lbs | 4 days |
| 20 lbs | 5 days |
| 24 lbs | 6 days |
🧊 Pro Tip: Always place the turkey in a tray or pan to catch leaks, and keep it in its original packaging.
💧 Quick Thaw: Cold Water Method (When You’re Out of Time)
Forgot to defrost early? No problem. Use this emergency method:
✅ Allow 30 minutes per pound using cold water.
Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it at a safe temperature.
| Turkey Weight | Cold Water Thawing Time |
|---|---|
| 8 lbs | 4 hours |
| 12 lbs | 6 hours |
| 16 lbs | 8 hours |
| 20 lbs | 10 hours |
📦 Make sure the turkey is sealed in leak-proof plastic so it doesn’t absorb water or spread bacteria.
❌ What Not to Do
Avoid these common thawing mistakes:
- ❌ Don’t defrost on the kitchen counter (bacteria alert!)
- ❌ Don’t use warm water (you’ll enter the danger zone)
- ❌ Don’t microwave a large turkey — it won’t thaw evenly
📝 Final Defrosting Tips
- ✅ You can cook a frozen turkey, but it will take at least 50% longer. Not ideal unless you’re in a real pinch.
- ✅ If you’ve brined your turkey, defrost it first, then brine for the best texture and flavor.
- ✅ Planning ahead? A refrigerated, thawed turkey is safe for up to 2 days before cooking.
Common Turkey Cooking Questions
UNDERSTANDING the lean body meaning
Popular Turkey Recipes for the Big Day
Once you’ve used the Turkey Calculator to figure out how much to cook, how long to bake, and when to defrost, it’s time for the most delicious part — choosing the perfect turkey recipe.
Whether you’re a traditionalist or looking to try something new, here are some crowd-pleasing turkey recipes that will make your feast unforgettable.
🧈 1. Classic Herb-Roasted Turkey
The go-to recipe for many families. Simple, aromatic, and foolproof.
Ingredients:
- Whole turkey (fresh or thawed)
- Butter or olive oil
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
- Garlic, lemon, salt, and pepper
Tips:
- Rub herb butter under the skin for added flavor.
- Baste every 45 minutes.
- Rest 20–30 minutes before carving.
⏱️ Works beautifully with turkey baking time calculators — just input your bird’s weight and go!
🍁 2. Maple Glazed Turkey
Add a touch of sweetness to your holiday meal.
What makes it great:
- Maple syrup glaze adds a caramelized, glossy finish.
- Pairs perfectly with roasted root vegetables.
Pro Tip: Combine the glaze with Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar for a flavor-packed punch.
🌶️ 3. Spicy Cajun Turkey
Perfect for those who like a little heat!
Cajun Turkey Rub:
- Paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper
- Olive oil or melted butter to bind
🔥 Roast low and slow, or deep-fry for that crispy finish.
🍗 4. Butterflied (Spatchcocked) Turkey
Want crispy skin and shorter cook time? This method’s for you.
- Flatten the turkey by removing the backbone.
- Roast at higher oven temperatures (up to 450°F) for quicker, even cooking.
- Ideal when using a convection oven (see our section on how long to cook turkey in convection oven).
🥘 5. Stuffed Turkey with Cranberry & Sausage
Take stuffing to the next level!
Stuffing ideas:
- Cranberries, sausage, apples, pecans, cornbread
- Cook stuffing separately or stuff loosely to ensure safe internal temperature
💡 Always check internal temp — especially with stuffed turkeys!
🐓 Bonus: Turkey Leftover Ideas
Don’t waste that goodness!
- Turkey pot pie
- Turkey cranberry sandwiches
- Turkey noodle soup
- Turkey fried rice
- Turkey tacos
Make the most of your holiday feast — again and again!