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Turkey cooking time calculator
Enter the turkey weight and whether it is stuffed. You get the USDA cook time range at 325°F, how many people it feeds and when to start thawing.
The oven is set to 325°F because the USDA table is for that temperature. Weights run from 8 to 24 pounds.
How the times are worked out
The cook time is a lookup in the USDA roasting table for a 325°F oven. The table gives a range for each weight band. The page does not adjust it. A weight on the line between two bands uses the longer band.
Servings are 1 pound of turkey per person, which is the USDA purchase guide.
The times are approximate. A turkey is safe at 165°F, measured with a food thermometer in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast.
Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, Let's Talk Turkey.
Thaw schedule
In the refrigerator allow about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. The page shows the USDA day range for the weight.
In cold water allow about 30 minutes per pound. Change the water every 30 minutes and cook the turkey right away.
A turkey can be cooked from frozen. It takes at least 50 percent longer than the thawed times.
Stuffing
USDA does not recommend stuffing a turkey. It suggests cooking stuffing in a casserole. Stuffing must reach 165°F.
Example
A 16 pound turkey, unstuffed, cooks 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes at 325°F. It feeds 16 people at 1 pound each.
Stuffed, the same turkey takes 4 hours to 4 hours 15 minutes. Thaw it 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator or about 8 hours in cold water.
Unstuffed turkey at 325°F
| Turkey weight | Cook time |
|---|---|
| 8 to 12 pounds | 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours |
| 12 to 14 pounds | 3 hours to 3 hours 45 minutes |
| 14 to 18 pounds | 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes |
| 18 to 20 pounds | 4 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours |
Stuffed turkey at 325°F
| Turkey weight | Cook time |
|---|---|
| 8 to 12 pounds | 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes |
| 12 to 14 pounds | 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours |
| 14 to 18 pounds | 4 hours to 4 hours 15 minutes |
| 18 to 20 pounds | 4 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 45 minutes |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes |
Questions about this page
How do I know it is done?
USDA says 165°F, measured with a food thermometer in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. The times on this page are approximate.
Do I rest it?
USDA suggests letting it stand 20 minutes before carving so the juices set.
Can I cook it from frozen?
Yes. USDA says it takes at least 50 percent longer than a fully thawed turkey.
Can I thaw it on the counter?
No. USDA lists three safe ways: the refrigerator, cold water and the microwave.