Turkey Cook Time

Turkey Roast Calculator

Use our interactive turkey roast calculator to find the exact cooking time at different oven temperatures, whether you are wondering how to slow down turkey cooking time or searching for the optimal spatchcock turkey cook time.

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(breast)1½–2¼ hr—
6–8(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
24–30→lb5–5½ hr5¼–6¼ 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

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.
Do you put water in the bottom of the pan when roasting a turkey?
Adding about 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth to the bottom of the roasting pan can help prevent drippings from burning and keep the oven moist, but it is not strictly required. Avoid adding too much liquid, or you will end up steaming the turkey instead of roasting it.
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).
Can you cook ham and turkey at the same time?
Yes, if your oven is large enough. Both can cook safely at 325°F. Since the turkey requires a higher internal temperature (165°F) than a fully cooked ham (140°F), start the turkey first and calculate when to add the ham based on its weight (about 15-20 minutes per pound).