How to use the turkey calculator
- In step 1, enter Adults and Children, pick an Appetite and a Type of turkey, and set Plan for leftovers.
- In step 2, check the Turkey weight, pick a Thawing method (or Already thawed or fresh) and set the Dinner date and Dinner time.
- In step 3, choose What you are roasting. Tick Cook it from frozen only to skip the thaw.
- Read Your timeline, then print it or download the calendar file.
How the numbers work
Buying. USDA allows 1 pound per person for a whole turkey and 1 1/4 pounds for a frozen pre-stuffed one. A child counts as half a guest, leftovers add 50% and the range adds 15% because turkeys come in fixed sizes. Breast portions are butcher rules of thumb.
Thawing. In the refrigerator, allow about 24 hours per 4 to 5 pounds, so a 16 pound bird needs 3.2 to 4 days (the USDA chart says 3 to 4). In cold water, allow 30 minutes per pound.
Roasting. USDA times are for 325 °F (163 °C). Convert other settings with the oven temperature converter.
| Weight | Not stuffed | Stuffed |
|---|---|---|
| 8 to 12 lb | 2 3/4 to 3 | 3 to 3 1/2 |
| 12 to 14 lb | 3 to 3 3/4 | 3 1/2 to 4 |
| 14 to 18 lb | 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 | 4 to 4 1/4 |
| 18 to 20 lb | 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 | 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 |
| 20 to 24 lb | 4 1/2 to 5 | 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 |
A bone-in breast of 4 to 8 pounds takes 1 1/2 to 3 1/4 hours. Done is 165 °F (74 °C) in the thickest part. Rest it 20 minutes with the cooking timer.
Worked example
The defaults are 8 adults, 2 children, regular appetite and leftovers: 9 guests × 1 pound × 1.5 = 13.5 pounds. The tool shows 13.5 to 15.5 lb. A 14.5 lb turkey thaws in 3 to 4 days and roasts unstuffed in 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours. For a 3:00 PM dinner the oven goes on at 9:50 AM, the turkey goes in at 10:10 AM, you start checking at 1:55 PM, it comes out at 2:25 PM and you carve at 2:45 PM.
Stuffing, convection and limits
- Stuffing. USDA does not recommend it. Bake stuffing separately, or fill the bird loosely and reach 165 °F in the center.
- Convection. The chart is for a regular oven. Many manuals say about 25 °F lower.
- Limits. USDA charts stop at 24 pounds (8 for breasts), so other sizes are estimates. Spatchcocked birds, smokers and fryers fall outside the chart, so trust the thermometer.
Thanksgiving 2026 plan
Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026. To roast that morning, move the bird to the refrigerator by the morning of:
- 4 to 8 lb: Tuesday, November 24
- 8 to 12 lb: Monday, November 23
- 12 to 16 lb: Sunday, November 22
- 16 to 20 lb: Saturday, November 21
- 20 to 24 lb: Friday, November 20
Turkey calculator FAQ
How much turkey do I need per person?
Plan on 1 pound of raw whole turkey per person, or 1 1/2 if you want leftovers.
How long does it take to thaw a 20 pound turkey?
For 16 to 20 pounds, USDA says 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator or 8 to 10 hours in cold water.
How long do I cook a 20 pound turkey?
At 325 °F, USDA lists 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours unstuffed and 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours stuffed for 18 to 20 pounds. From 20 to 24 pounds the unstuffed time is 4 1/2 to 5 hours.
How do I know when the turkey is done?
A food thermometer should read 165 °F in the innermost thigh and wing, the thickest breast and the center of any stuffing. A pop-up timer is not enough. Rest the turkey 20 minutes before carving.
Can I cook a turkey from frozen?
Yes. USDA says it is safe, but it takes at least 50 percent longer.
Sources: USDA FSIS, Let's Talk Turkey and The Big Thaw, checked October 13, 2026.