How much turkey per person?
A whole turkey includes bones, so plan on about 1 pound per person for a meal with no leftovers, and 1½ pounds per person if you want leftovers. For a boneless turkey breast, about ½ pound per person is usually enough.
| Guests | Just enough | With leftovers |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 lb (1.8 kg) | 6 lb (2.7 kg) |
| 6 | 6 lb (2.7 kg) | 9 lb (4.1 kg) |
| 8 | 8 lb (3.6 kg) | 12 lb (5.4 kg) |
| 10 | 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 15 lb (6.8 kg) |
| 12 | 12 lb (5.4 kg) | 18 lb (8.2 kg) |
| 15 | 15 lb (6.8 kg) | 22.5 lb (10.2 kg) |
| 20 | 20 lb (9.1 kg) | 30 lb (13.6 kg) |
Roasting times at 325°F / 163°C (USDA)
| Turkey weight | Unstuffed | Stuffed |
|---|---|---|
| 8 to 12 lb (3.6–5.4 kg) | 2¾ to 3 hours | 3 to 3½ hours |
| 12 to 14 lb (5.4–6.4 kg) | 3 to 3¾ hours | 3½ to 4 hours |
| 14 to 18 lb (6.4–8.2 kg) | 3¾ to 4¼ hours | 4 to 4¼ hours |
| 18 to 20 lb (8.2–9.1 kg) | 4¼ to 4½ hours | 4¼ to 4¾ hours |
| 20 to 24 lb (9.1–10.9 kg) | 4½ to 5 hours | 4¾ to 5¼ hours |
Times are guidelines for a fully thawed bird in a conventional oven. Start checking the temperature about 30 minutes before the shortest time, and let the turkey rest about 20 minutes before carving.
How long to thaw a turkey
- Refrigerator (safest): allow about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. A 15-lb turkey needs 3 to 4 days.
- Cold water: about 30 minutes per pound, in leak-proof packaging, changing the water every 30 minutes. Cook right after thawing.
- Never thaw a turkey on the counter at room temperature.
Full chart, safety tips, and a cooking-day schedule: Thanksgiving 2026 turkey guide.
Turkey Size & Cooking Time FAQs
How big of a turkey do I need for 10 people?
About 10 pounds for just the meal, or about 15 pounds if you want leftovers.
How long does it take to cook a 20-pound turkey?
At 325°F, an unstuffed 20-lb turkey takes about 4¼ to 5 hours, and a stuffed one about 4¼ to 5¼ hours. Use a thermometer to confirm 165°F.
When should I take my turkey out of the freezer for Thanksgiving?
Allow 24 hours of refrigerator thawing for every 4 to 5 pounds. For Thanksgiving on November 26, 2026, a 16-lb turkey should move to the fridge by about Sunday, November 22.
What temperature should turkey be cooked to?
165°F, measured in the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh, and the innermost part of the wing.