How this calculator works
Roasting times come straight from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service timetable for a whole turkey in a 325°F oven. Thawing in the refrigerator takes about one day for every 4–5 pounds; in cold water, about 30 minutes per pound. The calculator uses one day per 4 lb so you have a margin, and counts back from your dinner date.
Times are a guide — ovens, pans and how cold the bird is all change them. The only reliable test is temperature: 165°F in the thickest parts.
Assumptions and tips
- Turkey fully thawed, roasted breast-up in a 325°F oven, in a shallow pan.
- Never thaw at room temperature on the counter.
Worked example
Using the default values in the calculator above:
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Turkey weight | 16 lb |
| Stuffed? | Unstuffed |
| Dinner date (optional) | 2026-11-26 |
| Guests (optional) | 12 |
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Roast at 325°F for | 3 h 45 min – 4 h 15 min |
| Thaw in the fridge | 4 days |
| Or thaw in cold water | 8 h 00 min |
| Serves (1–1.5 lb per person) | 10–16 people |
| Rest before carving | 20–30 min |
| Turkey size for 12 guests | 12–18 lb |
| Move it to the fridge by | Sunday, November 22 |
Step by step:
- Fridge thaw: 16 lb ÷ 4 lb per day = 4 → 4 days
- Cold-water thaw: 16 lb × 30 min = 8 hours
- Roast time: USDA 325°F table, unstuffed, 16 lb
- Done when thigh, breast and any stuffing read 165°F
Turkey thawing and roasting times by weight
USDA timetable at 325°F, unstuffed; fridge thaw at 1 day per 4 lb.
| Turkey weight | Roast at 325°F | Thaw in the fridge | Or thaw in cold water |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 lb | 2 h 45 min – 3 h 00 min | 3 days | 5 h 00 min |
| 12 lb | 2 h 45 min – 3 h 00 min | 3 days | 6 h 00 min |
| 14 lb | 3 h 00 min – 3 h 45 min | 4 days | 7 h 00 min |
| 16 lb | 3 h 45 min – 4 h 15 min | 4 days | 8 h 00 min |
| 18 lb | 3 h 45 min – 4 h 15 min | 5 days | 9 h 00 min |
| 20 lb | 4 h 15 min – 4 h 30 min | 5 days | 10 h 00 min |
| 22 lb | 4 h 30 min – 5 h 00 min | 6 days | 11 h 00 min |
| 24 lb | 4 h 30 min – 5 h 00 min | 6 days | 12 h 00 min |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Starting to thaw the day before — a 16 lb bird needs about 4 days in the fridge.
- Judging doneness by time or the pop-up timer instead of a thermometer.
- Stuffing the bird the night before; stuff just before roasting.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I cook a 16 lb turkey?
About 3¾ to 4¼ hours at 325°F unstuffed, or 4 to 4¼ hours stuffed — until it reaches 165°F.
How long does a 20 lb turkey take to thaw?
About 5 days in the refrigerator, or about 10 hours in cold water.
How much turkey per person?
Plan 1 lb per person for a whole bird, or 1½ lb if you want leftovers.
Can I cook a turkey from frozen?
Yes, USDA says it is safe, but it takes at least 50% longer, and you cannot stuff it.