Free Thanksgiving turkey and oven timing calculator
Tell us how many are eating and when you want to sit down. Get the turkey size to buy, the day to start thawing, when the turkey goes in and a printable oven schedule for four sides. Free, no sign-up, and nothing leaves your browser.
Your turkey plan
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Sources: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, Turkey Basics: Safe Thawing and Turkey Basics: Roasting. Times are for an oven at 325°F. Ovens vary, so always confirm with a food thermometer.
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Thanksgiving turkey calculator questions
How big a turkey do I need for my guests?
The USDA suggests about 1 pound of turkey per person, and about 1.5 pounds per person if you want leftovers. The calculator rounds up to a whole pound and never goes below 8 pounds, the smallest whole turkey you can usually find.
How long does a turkey take to thaw in the fridge?
Plan on about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. The calculator uses 4 pounds a day to stay on the safe side, so a 16 lb turkey starts thawing 4 days before dinner. A thawed turkey keeps in the fridge for 1 to 2 days.
How long do I roast the turkey?
At 325°F, the USDA chart runs from about 2¾ to 3 hours for an unstuffed 8 to 12 lb turkey, up to 4½ to 5 hours for 20 to 24 lb. Stuffed turkeys take longer. The schedule plans with the longer end of the range so dinner is never late.
How do I know the turkey is done?
Use a food thermometer. The turkey is safe at 165°F in the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh and the wing. Time charts are a guide; the thermometer decides.
Why does the turkey rest, and for how long?
Resting for about 20 to 30 minutes lets the juices settle so the meat carves cleanly. It also frees the oven for your sides, which is how the schedule fits them in.
Do you store the details I type in?
No. Everything is calculated in your browser. The page makes no requests with your answers and does not use cookies or saved storage.