Turkey Calculator: How Much Turkey Per Person

How much turkey per person?

The USDA's turkey guide recommends buying about 1 pound of whole turkey per person. That sounds like a lot, but a whole bird is part bone, so 1 pound raw works out to a generous plate of meat once it's carved.

The calculator starts from that rule, counts kids under 12 as half a portion, then adds 25% if you want some leftovers or 50% for plenty. Those leftover amounts are our planning rule of thumb, not a USDA figure.

Guests	Just dinner	With some leftovers
6	6 lb (a bone-in breast works)	8 lb
10	10 lb	13 lb
12	12 lb	15 lb
16	16 lb	20 lb
20	20 lb	25 lb (think about two birds)

Example: 12 adults and 2 kids, some leftovers

Portions: 12 + (2 × 0.5) = 13
With some leftovers: 13 × 1.25 = 16.25, so buy a 17 lb turkey
Thawing in the fridge at about 1 day per 4 lb: 5 days, so move it to the fridge by Saturday, November 21 for a Thursday, November 26 dinner
Roasting unstuffed at 325°F: about 3¾ to 4¼ hours, then rest 20 minutes

How long to thaw a frozen turkey

The safest way is in the refrigerator, allowing about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. The calculator uses 4 pounds a day so you're never caught short. If you run out of time, thaw it in cold water at about 30 minutes per pound, changing the water every 30 minutes, and cook it as soon as it's thawed.

Turkey weight	In the refrigerator	In cold water
4 to 12 lb	1 to 3 days	2 to 6 hours
12 to 16 lb	3 to 4 days	6 to 8 hours
16 to 20 lb	4 to 5 days	8 to 10 hours
20 to 24 lb	5 to 6 days	10 to 12 hours

How long to roast a turkey at 325°F

These times come from the USDA roasting timetable. They're estimates: ovens vary, so check with a food thermometer.

Turkey weight	Unstuffed	Stuffed
4 to 8 lb (breast)	1½ to 3¼ hours	2½ to 3½ hours (6 to 8 lb)
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

When is the turkey done?

Go by temperature, not the clock. The turkey is safe at 165°F, checked in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. If it's stuffed, the center of the stuffing needs to reach 165°F too. Let it rest about 20 minutes before carving so the juices settle.

Tips for a smoother Thanksgiving

Big crowd? Two 12 to 14 lb turkeys cook faster and more evenly than one 24 lb bird.
Write the thaw date on your calendar the day you buy the turkey.
Buying a fresh turkey? Pick it up no more than a day or two before you cook it.
Leftovers go in the fridge within 2 hours of serving.

Planning the rest of the meal? Work out sides and dessert with the party food calculator, drinks with the party drinks calculator, and seating with the table and seating calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How much turkey do I need per person?

About 1 pound of whole turkey per person, according to the USDA. Add 25 to 50 percent if you want leftovers, and count young kids as about half a portion.

What size turkey do I need for 10 people?

About a 10 lb turkey for dinner only, or about 13 lb if you'd like leftovers.

How many days does a turkey take to thaw?

In the refrigerator, about one day for every 4 to 5 pounds. A 16 lb turkey needs about 4 days, and a 20 lb turkey about 5.

How long do I cook a 15 lb turkey?

Unstuffed at 325°F, about 3¾ to 4¼ hours. Stuffed, about 4 to 4¼ hours. Check that it reaches 165°F.

What temperature should turkey be cooked to?

165°F, measured in the thickest part of the breast and the innermost part of the thigh and wing.

Sources

Turkey sizes are planning estimates. Thaw and roast times are approximate: always check that the turkey reaches 165°F with a food thermometer.

Spotted a mistake? Email corrections@ipartybot.com and we'll check it.