Turkey Cooking Time & Thawing Calculator
Know when to start thawing, when the turkey goes in the oven and when it will be ready.
How to use: Enter the turkey weight, say whether it is stuffed and frozen, and set your dinner time. You get the roasting time, thawing days and a step-by-step schedule.
How to use the Turkey Cooking Time Calculator
Enter the weight from the label, in pounds or kilograms, and choose whole turkey or breast. Say whether you will stuff it, tick the box if it is still frozen, and set the time you want to sit down to eat. US Thanksgiving is Thursday 26 November 2026, so the dinner time starts there.
Times used: the USDA chart for a thawed turkey in a 325°F (163°C) oven. For example, an unstuffed whole turkey of 14–18 lb takes 3¾ to 4¼ hours and 20–24 lb takes 4½ to 5 hours; stuffing adds about 15–30 minutes. Fridge thawing takes about one day for every 4–5 lb, and cold-water thawing about 30 minutes per pound with the water changed every 30 minutes.
Worked example: a frozen 16 lb unstuffed turkey for dinner at 5:00 pm needs 4 days in the fridge, so move it from the freezer by Sunday. It roasts for 3 h 45 min to 4 h 15 min, so put it in the oven at about 12:15 pm and rest it for 30 minutes before carving.
Times are a guide only. 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. Source: USDA FSIS.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I cook a turkey per pound?
Roughly 13–15 minutes per pound at 325°F for an unstuffed bird, but use the USDA chart ranges and a thermometer rather than a per-pound rule.
How long does a turkey take to thaw?
About 24 hours for every 4–5 pounds in the fridge, so a 20 lb turkey needs 4–5 days. In cold water allow about 30 minutes per pound.
Can I cook a turkey from frozen?
Yes, it is safe, but it takes at least 50% longer, and you must remove the giblets once they loosen.
How big a turkey do I need?
About 1 pound per person, or 1½ pounds per person if you want leftovers.
What temperature is turkey done?
165°F (74°C) in the thigh, wing and thickest part of the breast, and in the centre of any stuffing.