Turkey Roasting Calculator

Calculate turkey roasting time at different oven temperatures.

lb
Oven temperature

Oven Temperature Guide

325°F

USDA Recommended — Standard roasting temperature. Most reliable and forgiving.

350°F

Slightly faster — About 10–15% faster cook time. Good for smaller turkeys.

425°F

High heat start — Some recipes start at 425°F for 30 min to crisp skin, then lower to 325°F.

Turkey Cooking Time Chart

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

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.