Turkey Calculator: Thawing and Roasting Times by Weight
Enter your turkey's weight and when you want to eat. You'll get USDA's thawing time, the roasting time at 325°F, when it has to go in the oven, and the temperature checks that tell you it's done.
USDA roasting times at 325°F
Estimates only. The turkey is done at 165°F in the thickest part of the breast, the innermost thigh and the innermost wing. A frozen or partly frozen bird, or foil left on the whole time, slows cooking; a dark pan, a lid or an oven bag speeds it up.
| Weight | Unstuffed | Stuffed |
|---|---|---|
| 4 to 6 lb breast | 1 hr 30 min to 2 hr 15 min | not listed |
| 6 to 8 lb breast | 2 hr 15 min to 3 hr 15 min | 2 hr 30 min to 3 hr 30 min |
| 8 to 12 lb whole turkey | 2 hr 45 min to 3 hr | 3 hr to 3 hr 30 min |
| 12 to 14 lb whole turkey | 3 hr to 3 hr 45 min | 3 hr 30 min to 4 hr |
| 14 to 18 lb whole turkey | 3 hr 45 min to 4 hr 15 min | 4 hr to 4 hr 15 min |
| 18 to 20 lb whole turkey | 4 hr 15 min to 4 hr 30 min | 4 hr 15 min to 4 hr 45 min |
| 20 to 24 lb whole turkey | 4 hr 30 min to 5 hr | 4 hr 45 min to 5 hr 15 min |
USDA thawing times
| Weight | In the refrigerator | In cold water |
|---|---|---|
| 4 to 12 lb | 1 to 3 days | 2 hr to 6 hr |
| 12 to 16 lb | 3 to 4 days | 6 hr to 8 hr |
| 16 to 20 lb | 4 to 5 days | 8 hr to 10 hr |
| 20 to 24 lb | 4 to 6 days | 10 hr to 12 hr |
Refrigerator: about 24 hours per 4 to 5 lb at 40°F or below. Cold water: about 30 minutes per pound, in a leak-proof bag, changing the water every 30 minutes, then cook right away. Never thaw on the counter. Don't wash the raw turkey: it spreads bacteria around the sink.
Cook it
- Classic roast Thanksgiving turkey
- Dry-brined turkey
- Spatchcocked turkey (about 80 minutes)
- Roast turkey breast for a small table
- Pan gravy from the drippings
- Bread stuffing, baked in its own dish
Questions people ask
How long does it take to thaw a turkey in the refrigerator?
About 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds, in a refrigerator at 40°F or below. A 12 to 16 pound turkey takes 3 to 4 days and a 20 to 24 pound turkey 5 to 6 days. Once thawed it keeps 1 to 2 more days in the refrigerator.
How long does it take to thaw a turkey in cold water?
About 30 minutes per pound, in a leak-proof bag fully under cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes. A 16 pound turkey takes about 8 hours. Cook it right away.
Can I thaw a turkey on the counter?
No. USDA says to thaw a turkey only in the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave, never at room temperature.
How long do I cook a 16 pound turkey?
At 325°F, USDA's timetable gives 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours unstuffed (14 to 18 pound row) and 4 to 4 1/4 hours stuffed. The times are estimates: the turkey is done when a food thermometer reads 165°F.
How long do I cook a 20 pound turkey?
At 325°F, 4 1/2 to 5 hours unstuffed and 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours stuffed (USDA's 20 to 24 pound row). Check with a thermometer.
What temperature is a turkey done at?
165°F, checked in three places: the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh and the innermost part of the wing. If the bird is stuffed, the center of the stuffing must also reach 165°F.
How long should a turkey rest?
At least 20 minutes before carving, so the juices settle.
Sources
- University of Georgia Extension, Safe Turkey Handling (C1226)
- Minnesota Department of Health, Turkey Safety (reprints the USDA FSIS timetable)
- USDA FSIS, Let's Talk Turkey: A Consumer Guide to Safely Roasting a Turkey
Times are USDA FSIS figures as reprinted by the University of Georgia and the Minnesota Department of Health. A thermometer is the only sure test.