Turkey Cook Time
Turkey Illustration

Turkey Cooking Time Calculator

Calculate the exact timeline to thaw, cook, rest, and serve your turkey beautifully.

1The Turkey

lb

2The Prep

Method
Cut
Stuffed?

3The Serving Time

Turkey Cooking Time Chart

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

WeightUnstuffedStuffedThaw Time
4–6 lb(breast)1½–2¼ hr—~2 days
6–8 lb(breast)2¼–3¼ hr3–3½ hr~2 days
8–12 lb2¾–3 hr3–3½ hr~3 days
12–14 lb3–3¾ hr3½–4 hr~3 days
14–18 lb3¾–4¼ hr4–4¼ hr~4 days
18–20 lb4¼–4½ hr4¼–4¾ hr~4 days
20–24 lb4½–5 hr4¾–5¼ hr~5 days

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.

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How long to safely defrost your turkey.

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Salt, water, and brining time by weight.

Turkey Temperature Guide

Internal temperatures and where to check.

Turkey Size Calculator

How much turkey for your guest count.

Turkey Roasting Calculator

Oven temperature and roasting time.

Turkey Cooking Times by Weight

Detailed cooking guides for every common turkey size.

8 lb
2¾–3 hr
10 lb
2¾–3 hr
12 lb
3–3¾ hr
14 lb
3¾–4¼ hr
16 lb
3¾–4¼ hr
18 lb
4¼–4½ hr
20 lb
4½–5 hr
22 lb
4½–5 hr
24 lb
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⚙️ How the Calculator Works

Our calculator builds your turkey timeline backwards from your desired dinner time. Instead of just telling you "cook for 4 hours," we tell you exactly when to start.

We take your dinner time, subtract the resting period (20–45 minutes for the juices to redistribute), then subtract the estimated cooking time based on your turkey's weight, method, and whether it's stuffed. That gives you the exact time to put your turkey in the oven.

If your turkey is frozen, we also calculate when to start thawing based on USDA guidelines — approximately 24 hours per 4–5 pounds in the refrigerator.

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

  1. 1Innermost part of the thigh
  2. 2Innermost part of the wing
  3. 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 long does it take to cook a turkey?
Cooking time depends on the weight and whether the turkey is stuffed. At 325°F, a 12–14 lb unstuffed turkey takes about 3–3¾ hours. A stuffed turkey of the same size takes 3½–4 hours. Always use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How long do you cook a turkey per pound?
For a standard oven-roasted turkey at 325°F, plan for approximately 13–15 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey, or 15–17 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey. These are estimates — always verify doneness with a food thermometer.
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.
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.
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.
What temperature should I set my oven to for turkey?
The USDA recommends roasting turkey at 325°F (163°C). Some recipes call for higher temperatures (425–450°F) for the first 30 minutes to crisp the skin, then lowering to 325°F. For spatchcocked turkey, 425–450°F throughout works well.
When should I put my turkey in the oven?
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 calculator to get an exact start time for your specific turkey.
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.