Interactive Turkey Cooking Time Calculator

Wondering how much time to cook a turkey per pound? Calculate the exact timeline to thaw, cook, rest, and serve your turkey beautifully.

Turkey Cooking Time Chart

USDA recommended roasting times at 325°F (163°C). Always verify with a meat thermometer.

Weight	Unstuffed	Stuffed	Thaw
4–6(breast)	1½–2¼ hr	—	~2 d
6–8(breast)	2¼–3¼ hr	3–3½ hr	~2 d
8–12→lb	2¾–3 hr	3–3½ hr	~3 d
12–14→lb	3–3¾ hr	3½–4 hr	~3 d
14–18→lb	3¾–4¼ hr	4–4¼ hr	~4 d
18–20→lb	4¼–4½ hr	4¼–4¾ hr	~4 d
20–24→lb	4½–5 hr	4¾–5¼ hr	~5 d
24–30→lb	5–5½ hr	5¼–6¼ hr	~6 d

Source: USDA FoodSafety.gov. Thaw time is for refrigerator thawing (~24 hours per 4–5 lbs). Cooking times are approximate — always use a food thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature.

Methodology & Food Safety

How our calculator determines the perfect time and temperature.

All cooking and thawing times generated by the Turkey Cook Time calculator are strictly based on currentUnited States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and FoodSafety.gov guidelines. Because ovens and turkey densities vary, timing should always be used as an estimation tool alongside a reliable meat thermometer.

Thawing: Refrigerator thawing is calculated at 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. Cold water thawing is calculated at 30 minutes per pound.
Cooking Temperatures: The standard roasting temperature is 325°F (165°C). Cooking times vary based on weight and whether the turkey is stuffed or unstuffed.
Internal Temperature: A turkey is safe to eat only when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, wing, and breast reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

For the most up-to-date food safety information regarding poultry preparation, handling, and storage, please consult official USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service resources.

Turkey Preparation Guide

What Temperature Should Turkey Be Cooked To?

Turkey is safe to eat when the thickest parts reach the recommended safe internal temperature. Always verify doneness with a food thermometer rather than relying solely on cooking time. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) measured in the innermost part of the thigh, the thickest part of the breast, and the wing joint.

How Long Does It Take to Thaw a Turkey?

The safest and most common method is refrigerator thawing. You should allow approximately 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. For a faster method, you can use cold water thawing, which takes about 30 minutes per pound, but requires you to change the water every 30 minutes to maintain safe temperatures.

How Long Should Turkey Rest?

A turkey should rest for at least 20 to 30 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, preventing it from drying out when carved. For larger turkeys (over 18 lbs), resting up to 45 minutes is perfectly safe and highly recommended.

What Changes Turkey Cooking Time?

Several factors can dramatically alter your total roasting time. A stuffed turkey takes longer to cook than an unstuffed one because the center stuffing must also safely reach 165°F. Dark roasting pans tend to cook turkeys faster than shiny metal pans. Additionally, cooking in a convection oven can reduce the total time by up to 30%, and starting with a partially frozen turkey will significantly increase the time.

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Food Safety

Safe Internal Temperature

165°F / 74°C

USDA recommends all poultry reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Where to Check Temperature

1Innermost part of the thigh
2Innermost part of the wing
3Thickest part of the breast

If the turkey is stuffed, also check the center of the stuffing — it must reach 165°F (74°C).

Don't rely on pop-up indicators — always use a food thermometer.

Don't wash your raw turkey — this can spread bacteria to kitchen surfaces.

Never thaw at room temperature — use the refrigerator or cold water method.

Source:USDA/FoodSafety.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

How to calculate turkey cooking time?

For a standard oven-roasted turkey at 325°F, calculate approximately 13–15 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey, or 15–17 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey. You can use our interactive turkey cooking time calculator to get the precise time instantly.

How long does a 10 lb turkey take to cook?

A 10 lb turkey (in the 8–12 lb range) takes approximately 2¾–3 hours unstuffed or 3–3½ hours stuffed at 325°F. Start checking the temperature about 30 minutes before the estimated finish time.

How long does a 15 lb turkey take to cook?

A 15 lb turkey (in the 14–18 lb range) takes approximately 3¾–4¼ hours unstuffed or 4–4¼ hours stuffed at 325°F. This is one of the most common sizes for Thanksgiving dinner.

How long does a 20 lb turkey take to cook?

A 20 lb turkey (in the 20–24 lb range) takes approximately 4½–5 hours unstuffed or 4¾–5¼ hours stuffed at 325°F. For turkeys this large, plan extra time and check temperature starting at the 4-hour mark.

How many hours for a 5 kg turkey?

A 5 kg turkey is roughly 11 pounds. At 325°F (165°C), it will take about 2¾ to 3 hours if unstuffed, or 3 to 3½ hours if stuffed. Always verify the internal temperature has reached 74°C (165°F).

At what temperature is a turkey done?

The USDA recommends all poultry, including turkey, reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Check the temperature in three places: the innermost part of the thigh, the innermost part of the wing, and the thickest part of the breast.

How to check turkey without a thermometer?

While a food thermometer is the only 100% safe way to verify a turkey is cooked (165°F), visual signs include: juices running clear (not pink) when you pierce the thigh with a fork, the leg joints moving loosely and easily, and the meat pulling away from the bone.

Does a stuffed turkey take longer to cook?

Yes, a stuffed turkey typically takes 15–45 minutes longer than an unstuffed turkey of the same weight. The USDA recommends cooking stuffing separately in a casserole dish for optimal food safety. If you choose to stuff the turkey, the center of the stuffing must reach 165°F.

How long does it take to thaw a turkey?

In the refrigerator (safest method), allow approximately 24 hours for every 4–5 pounds. A 16 lb turkey takes about 4 days to thaw in the fridge. For faster thawing, use the cold water method: about 30 minutes per pound, changing the water every 30 minutes.

How much turkey do I need per person?

Plan for about 1–1.5 pounds of uncooked whole turkey per person. For 10 guests, get a 12–15 lb turkey. If you want leftovers, aim for 1.5 lbs per person. For boneless turkey breast, plan about 0.75 lbs per person.

Should turkey be cooked at 325 or 350 degrees?

The USDA recommends roasting turkey at 325°F (163°C) for the most reliable, even cooking. Roasting at 350°F is also safe and will cook the turkey about 10-15% faster, which works well for smaller turkeys. For the juiciest results, stick to 325°F.

Should I cover my turkey while cooking?

Start by roasting the turkey uncovered so the skin can brown and crisp. If the skin gets too dark before the meat reaches 165°F (usually about two-thirds through the cooking time), loosely tent the breast with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

What is the secret to a moist turkey?

The most important secret to a moist turkey is not overcooking it. Remove the turkey from the oven exactly when the breast reaches 165°F. Additionally, brining the turkey (wet or dry) before cooking and letting it rest for 30-45 minutes after cooking will ensure maximum juiciness.

When should I put my turkey in the oven? (What time should I start cooking my turkey?)

Work backwards from your desired dinner time. For a 16 lb unstuffed turkey with dinner at 3 PM: allow 3¾–4¼ hours cooking + 30 minutes resting = put the turkey in around 10:15 AM. Use our interactive turkey cooking time calculator to get an exact start time.

How long should turkey rest before carving?

Let your turkey rest for at least 20–45 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicier and easier to carve. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

How to cook turkey ahead of time and reheat?

Roast the turkey as usual until it reaches 165°F. Carve the meat off the bones, slice it, and place it in a shallow baking dish with a splash of broth. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. To reheat, bake at 325°F until the meat reaches 165°F (usually 30-45 minutes).