How Big of a Turkey Should I Get? 🦃
Planning Thanksgiving dinner and wondering how big of a turkey you need? Our Turkey Size Calculator takes the guesswork out of buying the right bird. Enter the number of adults, children, and vegetarians at your table, choose whether you want leftovers, and get an instant recommendation — plus cooking time and thawing schedule.
Lbs of Turkey Per Person
Our turkey size calculator uses these standard portions:
- 1 pound (0.45 kg) of turkey per adult
- 0.5 pound (0.23 kg) of turkey per child (ages 6–15)
- 0 pounds for vegetarians/vegans — they won't be eating the turkey!
These figures account for the whole turkey weight — bones, skin, fat, and tendons — not just the edible meat. After cooking, you can expect about 40–50% of the raw weight to be edible meat.
Need leftovers for a turkey sandwich or casserole the next day? Check the "Need leftovers" box and the calculator will multiply your required weight by 1.5 automatically.
Cooking Time vs. Turkey Size Chart
All cooking times are for a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C):
| Turkey Size | Unstuffed (15 min/lb) | Stuffed (17.5 min/lb) |
|---|---|---|
| 8–12 lbs (3.6–5.4 kg) | 2¾–3 hrs | 3–3½ hrs |
| 12–14 lbs (5.4–6.4 kg) | 3–3¾ hrs | 3½–4 hrs |
| 14–18 lbs (6.4–8.2 kg) | 3¾–4¼ hrs | 4–4¼ hrs |
| 18–20 lbs (8.2–9.1 kg) | 4¼–4½ hrs | 4¼–4¾ hrs |
| 20–24 lbs (9.1–10.9 kg) | 4½–5 hrs | 4¾–5¼ hrs |
Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer: the thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F (74°C). For stuffed turkeys, the stuffing must also reach 165°F.
Turkey Thawing Time
Never thaw a turkey at room temperature — bacteria can multiply rapidly. Use one of these safe methods:
- ❄️ Refrigerator (safest method): Allow 24 hours per 4–5 lbs of turkey. A 16 lb turkey takes about 4 days. Keep the turkey in its original packaging on a tray to catch drips.
- 💧 Cold water bath: Allow 30 minutes per pound, submerging the turkey in cold water and changing the water every 30 minutes. Cook immediately after thawing.
- 🔥 Microwave: Follow your microwave's instructions (approximately 6 min/lb). Cook immediately after thawing.
How to Calculate What Size Turkey to Buy?
- Count the number of adults at your table
- Count the number of children aged 6–15 (they eat half a portion)
- Note any vegetarians or vegans (they skip the turkey)
- Decide if you want leftovers (multiply total by 1.5)
- Choose between a stuffed or unstuffed bird for cooking time
For example: a Thanksgiving dinner for 8 adults, 2 children, and 1 vegetarian (no leftovers) → 8 × 1 lb + 2 × 0.5 lb = 9 lbs. A 10–12 lb turkey would be a safe choice with a little room for seconds!
Tips for a Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey
- 🛒 Buy fresh the week before, or frozen (allow extra thaw time)
- 🌡️ Use a meat thermometer — never guess doneness by color alone
- 🕰️ Let the turkey rest 20–30 minutes after roasting before carving
- 🥘 Cooking stuffed turkeys takes longer — budget the extra time
- 🧊 Start thawing a frozen turkey 3–5 days ahead in the refrigerator
- 💰 Fresh or organic turkeys cost more per pound — use the optional price field to budget your holiday meal