Turkey Size Calculator
Enter the number of guests, the kind of turkey and how much you want left over. The calculator tells you how many pounds and kilograms to buy, how long it takes to thaw in the fridge and roughly how long to roast it.
- Pounds per guest
- Leftovers option
- Thaw and roast time
Count children as half a guest unless they are big eaters.
Allow about 1.5 lb of whole turkey for each guest. Half of a whole bird is bone, so 1.5 lb gives about 3/4 lb of meat each. A bone-in breast needs 1.25 lb a person and a boneless roast about 3/4 lb. Add a third more for leftovers.
Turkey size chart
Whole turkey. Search for a guest count.
| Guests | No leftovers (lb) | Some leftovers (lb) | Kilograms (no leftovers) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 8 | 2.7 |
| 6 | 9 | 12 | 4.1 |
| 8 | 12 | 16 | 5.4 |
| 10 | 15 | 20 | 6.8 |
| 12 | 18 | 24 | 8.2 |
| 16 | 24 | 32 | 10.9 |
| 20 | 30 | 40 | 13.6 |
Thawing in the fridge takes about one day for every 4 lb, so a 16 lb bird needs 4 days.
Guests and turkey size
Whole turkey. Slide the guests.
A plate for each guest sits round the platter, and the bird grows as you add guests.
How to choose a turkey
Guests × 1.5 lb. Step through it.
Count guests
Kids as half.
Very large birds, over about 22 lb, cook unevenly. Two smaller birds can be easier for a big crowd.
Whole, breast or boneless
Turkey types. Compare them.
The classic, with dark and white meat.
All white meat, quicker to cook.
No waste, very easy to slice.
A crown is a breast on the bone with the legs removed, popular in the UK.
Before the day
Turkey planning. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
Check the bird fits your oven and roasting tin before you buy. A 20 lb turkey needs a tin about 40 cm long.
What you get
Turkey planning. Each tile explains one result.
lb and kg.
Pounds each.
In the fridge.
About.
165°F.
Roasting times are a guide for an unstuffed bird at 325°F (165°C). Always check with a thermometer.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
How big a turkey do I need?
About 1.5 lb per person for a whole bird.
What size turkey for 8 people?
About 12 lb, or 16 lb for leftovers.
What size turkey for 12 people?
About 18 lb, or 24 lb for leftovers.
How long does a turkey take to thaw?
About one day in the fridge for every 4 lb.
How long do I roast a 16 lb turkey?
About 3 h 50 min at 325°F, unstuffed.
How much boneless turkey per person?
About 3/4 lb.
What temperature is turkey done?
165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh and breast.
Enough turkey for everyone
Count your guests, decide on leftovers and buy the right size bird. Start the thaw in time and the big day runs smoothly.
More size calculators
Each one has its own calculator, worked examples and answers to common questions.