Turkey Size & Timing Calculator
Quick answer: Buy about 1¼ lb of turkey per guest (1½ for leftovers), roast about 13 minutes per pound at 325°F, and thaw roughly 1 day per 4 lb in the fridge.
Tell us how many people you're feeding and when you want to eat — we'll size the bird, tell you when to start thawing, and work backwards to the exact time it goes in the oven.
Turkey size by guest count
| Guests | Turkey weight | Roast time (unstuffed) |
|---|
| 4 people | 5 lb | ~1 hr 5 min |
| 6 people | 8 lb | ~1 hr 45 min |
| 8 people | 10 lb | ~2 hr 10 min |
| 10 people | 12–13 lb | ~2 hr 45 min |
| 12 people | 15 lb | ~3 hr 15 min |
How it works
Everything keys off guest count. Plan about 1¼ lb of turkey per person (1½ for good leftovers), which sets the roast time at roughly 13 minutes per pound at 325 °F. The tool then works backwards from your dinner time — subtracting a 30-minute rest and the roast — to tell you exactly when the bird goes in, and flags how far ahead to start thawing (about one day per 4 lb in the fridge).
Frequently asked
How big a turkey do I need?
Plan about 1¼ pounds per guest, or 1½ pounds if you want good leftovers. For 10 people that's a 12–13 pound bird.
How long does a turkey take to thaw?
In the fridge, allow about one day for every 4 pounds. A 12-pound turkey needs roughly 3 days, so plan ahead.
What temperature should I roast at?
325°F is the standard. Roast to 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh, and let it rest 20–30 minutes before carving.
Does stuffing change the time?
Yes — a stuffed turkey takes longer (about 15 minutes per pound instead of 13), and the stuffing itself must reach 165°F.
Can I speed up thawing?
Yes — cold-water thawing takes about 30 minutes per pound, changing the water every 30 minutes. Never thaw at room temperature.
When should I take the turkey out of the fridge before roasting?
About 45–60 minutes ahead so it cooks more evenly. Don't leave it out longer than that.
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