Turkey Thaw & Roast Time Calculator
Tell us your turkey's weight and when you want to eat. We'll tell you the exact moment to start thawing, when it goes in the oven, and when it's ready to carve, with a live countdown and calendar reminders.
Your turkey
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How big a turkey do I need?
USDA suggests about 1 lb (450 g) per person. Go bigger if you love leftovers.
Is it done? Use a thermometer
Pop-up timers aren't enough on their own. Rest the bird 20 minutes before carving.
USDA turkey time charts
Your turkey's row is highlighted. Roasting times are for a 325 °F (163 °C) oven and are approximate, so always check with a thermometer.
🧊 Fridge thaw
💧 Cold-water thaw
🔥 Roast at 325 °F
Turkey safety in six lines
Use the fridge, cold water or the microwave. The outside warms into the danger zone while the middle is still frozen.
Keep the bird in a leak-proof wrap, fully submerged, and cook it as soon as it's thawed.
Once thawed in the fridge it can wait 1 to 2 days before cooking, so a little early is fine.
Pull the neck and giblet bags from both cavities after thawing. If cooking from frozen, remove them with tongs part-way through.
Rinsing spreads bacteria around the sink. Pat it dry with paper towels, then wash your hands and surfaces.
Use them within 3–4 days, or freeze for 2–6 months. Reheat to 165 °F.
Turkey thawing & roasting FAQ
How long does it take to thaw a turkey in the fridge?
Allow about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds (roughly 2 kg) in a fridge at 40 °F (4 °C) or below. That's 1–3 days for a 4–12 lb bird, 3–4 days for 12–16 lb, 4–5 days for 16–20 lb and 5–6 days for 20–24 lb.
How long does a cold-water thaw take?
About 30 minutes per pound. Keep the turkey in a leak-proof wrap, fully submerged in cold tap water, change the water every 30 minutes, and cook it as soon as it has thawed. A 16 lb turkey takes about 8 hours.
Can I cook a turkey that is still frozen?
Yes, it's safe. Roasting takes at least 50% longer than for a thawed bird. Remove the giblet bags with tongs once they loosen during cooking, and check the temperature in several places.
How long do I cook a turkey per pound?
At 325 °F (163 °C) an unstuffed turkey takes roughly 3 to 3¾ hours for 12–14 lb, 3¾ to 4¼ hours for 14–18 lb and 4½ to 5 hours for 20–24 lb. A stuffed bird takes a little longer. Times are approximate, so always check with a thermometer.
What temperature is turkey done at?
A whole turkey is safe at 165 °F (74 °C), measured in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. Stuffing must also reach 165 °F. Let the turkey rest 20 minutes before carving.
What time should I put my turkey in the oven?
Work back from dinner: allow 20 minutes of resting plus a few minutes to carve, then the roasting time for your weight. GobbleClock does this for you and plans with the longer end of the USDA range, so you start checking early and are never late.
How big a turkey do I need per person?
USDA suggests about 1 lb (450 g) of whole turkey per person, or 1¼ lb for a frozen pre-stuffed turkey. Choose about 1½ lb per person if you want leftovers.
How long can a thawed turkey stay in the fridge?
A turkey thawed in the fridge can wait 1 to 2 days before cooking, and it can be refrozen if needed. A turkey thawed in cold water or the microwave must be cooked right away.