Turkey Cooking Time Per Pound: USDA Chart and Tips
Short answer
At an oven temperature of 325°F (163°C), the USDA chart gives an unstuffed 12–14 lb turkey about 3 to 3¾ hours and a 14–18 lb bird about 3¾ to 4¼ hours; stuffed birds take a little longer. Times are only a guide: the turkey is done when a food thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast, the innermost thigh and the wing. Plan the day with our turkey cooking time calculator.
US Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026, and turkey roasting questions climb every November. The two numbers that matter are the roasting time, which tells you when to start, and the internal temperature, which tells you when it is safe to eat.
How long do I cook a turkey per pound?
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service publishes these approximate times for a whole turkey in a 325°F oven:
| Weight | Unstuffed | Stuffed |
|---|---|---|
| 8–12 lb (3.6–5.4 kg) | 2¾ to 3 hours | 3 to 3½ hours |
| 12–14 lb (5.4–6.4 kg) | 3 to 3¾ hours | 3½ to 4 hours |
| 14–18 lb (6.4–8.2 kg) | 3¾ to 4¼ hours | 4 to 4¼ hours |
| 18–20 lb (8.2–9.1 kg) | 4¼ to 4½ hours | 4¼ to 4¾ hours |
| 20–24 lb (9.1–10.9 kg) | 4½ to 5 hours | 4¾ to 5¼ hours |
A rough rule of thumb from the chart is roughly 13 to 16 minutes per pound for a medium unstuffed bird, but use the table and a thermometer rather than a single per-pound figure. Weighing in kilograms? Convert with kg to lbs or our kg to lbs guide.
What temperature should a turkey reach?
The USDA says turkey is safe at 165°F (74°C), measured with a food thermometer in the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh and the wing. If the bird is stuffed, the centre of the stuffing must also reach 165°F. Health Canada's guidance for whole poultry is higher, 82°C (180°F), so readers in Canada should follow local advice. Pop-up timers are not reliable on their own. Switch units with Fahrenheit to Celsius or read how to convert Celsius and Fahrenheit.
How long does a frozen turkey take to thaw?
- In the refrigerator: about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. A 16 lb turkey needs 3 to 4 days.
- In cold water: about 30 minutes per pound, in its leak-proof wrapping, changing the water every 30 minutes. A 16 lb turkey needs about 8 hours, and it should be cooked straight away.
- Never thaw on the counter at room temperature.
Count back from dinner with the Thanksgiving countdown so the turkey goes in the fridge on time.
Worked example: a 16 lb turkey for a 5 p.m. dinner
- Thaw in the fridge from Sunday or Monday (3 to 4 days).
- Unstuffed roasting time at 325°F: 3¾ to 4¼ hours.
- Rest the cooked turkey about 20 minutes before carving so the juices settle.
- So put it in the oven between about 12:25 and 12:55 p.m., and start checking the temperature at the early end of the range.
The calculator builds this schedule automatically from your weight and dinner time.
How much turkey per person?
Plan about 1 lb of whole turkey per guest, or 1½ lb if you want leftovers. For 10 guests that is a 10–15 lb bird.
Food safety reminders
- Wash hands, boards and utensils after touching raw turkey. Do not rinse the raw bird, which spreads bacteria around the sink.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and eat them within 3 to 4 days.
Celebrating in Canada? Our Canadian Thanksgiving 2026 guide covers that holiday, which was on October 12 this year.
Disclaimer: this is general food-safety information based on USDA and Health Canada guidance, not professional advice. Ovens vary; always confirm doneness with a food thermometer. ViralScopeHub is not responsible for results in your kitchen.
Last updated: October 16, 2026, 9:29 AM ET. Reviewed against the sources listed below.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you cook a 15 lb turkey?
At 325°F, about 3¾ to 4¼ hours unstuffed and 4 to 4¼ hours stuffed, until a thermometer reads 165°F in the breast, thigh and wing.
What temperature is turkey done?
The USDA says 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast, the innermost thigh and the wing. Health Canada advises 82°C (180°F) for whole poultry.
How long does it take to thaw a turkey in the fridge?
About 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds, so a 16 lb turkey needs 3 to 4 days.
Should I cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
The USDA chart uses 325°F. Higher temperatures cook faster but can dry the outside before the inside is safe, so use a thermometer either way.
How long should a turkey rest?
About 20 minutes before carving, which helps the juices settle.
