🦃 Turkey Cooking Time Calculator
Roast a turkey at 325°F for about 13 minutes per pound unstuffed (15 min/lb stuffed), and thaw it in the fridge about a day for every 4–5 pounds.
3 hrs 2 min
Roast at 325°F
3 days 12 hrs
Fridge thaw
7 hrs
Cold-water thaw
Based on USDA guidance: thaw in the fridge about 24 hours per 4–5 lb, or in cold water (changed every 30 min) about 30 minutes per lb. Roast unstuffed ≈ 13 min/lb, stuffed ≈ 15 min/lb at 325°F. Times are estimates — always cook until a thermometer in the thickest part of the breast and innermost thigh reads 165°F (74°C). 🔒 In your browser.
How the turkey cooking time calculator works
Enter the turkey's weight and whether it's stuffed. Roasting time is estimated at roughly 13 minutes per pound unstuffed or 15 minutes per pound stuffed at an oven temperature of 325°F. Thawing is shown two ways: in the refrigerator at about 24 hours per 4–5 pounds, or the faster cold-water method (submerged, water changed every 30 minutes) at about 30 minutes per pound.
These are planning estimates from USDA guidance — actual time varies with your oven, the bird's shape and starting temperature. The only reliable doneness test is temperature: the turkey is safely done when a thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and the innermost thigh (not touching bone). Let it rest 20–30 minutes before carving. Never thaw a turkey at room temperature.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I cook a turkey per pound?
About 13 minutes per pound unstuffed, or 15 minutes per pound stuffed, in a 325°F oven. A 14 lb unstuffed turkey takes roughly 3 hours. Always confirm with a thermometer reading 165°F.
How long does it take to thaw a turkey?
In the fridge, allow about 24 hours per 4–5 pounds (a 15 lb bird needs 3–4 days). In cold water, about 30 minutes per pound, changing the water every 30 minutes. Never thaw at room temperature.
What temperature should turkey be cooked to?
165°F (74°C), measured in the thickest part of the breast and the innermost part of the thigh and wing, away from bone. Stuffing must also reach 165°F. Temperature — not time — is what tells you it's safe.
Does stuffing the turkey change the cooking time?
Yes — a stuffed turkey takes longer (about 15 min/lb vs 13), and the stuffing itself must reach 165°F, which often means the breast overcooks. Many cooks bake stuffing separately for safety and even cooking.