Turkey Size Calculator
How big a turkey to buy for your guests, how long to thaw it and how long to roast it
Turkey size, thawing and roasting time for your guest count, from USDA FSIS guidance: 1 lb of whole turkey per person (1½ lb for leftovers), 24 hours of refrigerator thawing per 4–5 lb, and 165 °F in the thigh, wing and thickest part of the breast.
Turkey size by number of guests
| Guests | Turkey | With leftovers |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 lb | 6 lb |
| 6 | 6 lb | 9 lb |
| 8 | 8 lb | 12 lb |
| 10 | 10 lb | 15 lb |
| 12 | 12 lb | 18 lb |
| 16 | 16 lb | 24 lb |
| 20 | 20 lb | 30 lb |
Roasting times at 325 °F
| Weight | Unstuffed | Stuffed |
|---|---|---|
| 8 to 12 lb | 2¾ to 3 hours | 3 to 3½ hours |
| 12 to 14 lb | 3 to 3¾ hours | 3½ to 4 hours |
| 14 to 18 lb | 3¾ to 4¼ hours | 4 to 4¼ hours |
| 18 to 20 lb | 4¼ to 4½ hours | 4¼ to 4¾ hours |
| 20 to 24 lb | 4½ to 5 hours | 4¾ to 5¼ hours |
Frequently asked questions
How big a turkey do I need per person?
1 pound of whole turkey per person, or 1½ pounds for leftovers (USDA FSIS).
How long does it take to thaw a turkey?
24 hours in the refrigerator for every 4 to 5 pounds, or 30 minutes per pound in cold water.