Turkey Cooking Time Calculator
Find how long to roast a turkey by weight.
Results update as you type.
How it works
Timing a turkey is one of the trickiest parts of a holiday meal, and this calculator gives you a reliable estimate. You enter the turkey's weight and whether it is stuffed, and it returns the total roasting time in minutes and hours plus the per-pound rate used. The estimate is based on roasting at 325 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature recommended for even cooking, using about 15 minutes per pound for an unstuffed bird and about 18 minutes per pound for a stuffed one. Stuffing adds time because the dense filling inside the cavity must also reach a safe temperature, which slows the heat reaching the center. These per-pound guidelines give a good planning estimate so you know when to put the bird in and when to expect dinner, but they are not a substitute for checking the actual temperature. The only reliable way to know a turkey is done is a meat thermometer reading 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the thigh, and in the center of the stuffing if stuffed. Factors like oven accuracy, whether the bird started fully thawed, and how often the oven is opened all affect real cooking time. Let the turkey rest about 20 to 30 minutes after roasting before carving. Enter the weight and stuffing choice to estimate the roasting time.
Time = weight (lb) × minutes per pound (15 unstuffed / 18 stuffed at 325°F)
Roasting a turkey at 325°F takes roughly 15 minutes per pound for an unstuffed bird and about 18 minutes per pound when stuffed, since the stuffing must also reach a safe temperature. Multiplying the weight by the per-pound rate estimates the total time; always confirm doneness with a meat thermometer.
Source:USDA roasting guidelines
We review all our tools from time to time to ensure accuracy.
Worked example
How to use this calculator
- 1
Enter your values
Enter turkey weight and stuffed?.
- 2
Adjust the options
Fine-tune any options to match your situation.
- 3
Read your result
Roasting time updates instantly as you type — no button to press.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to cook a turkey?
At 325 degrees Fahrenheit, plan for about 15 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey and about 18 minutes per pound for a stuffed one. So a 15-pound unstuffed bird takes roughly 3 hours 45 minutes. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer rather than relying on time alone, as ovens and birds vary.
Why does a stuffed turkey take longer?
Stuffing fills the cavity with dense material that heat must penetrate, and the stuffing itself must reach a safe 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be food-safe. This slows how quickly the center of the bird cooks, so a stuffed turkey needs roughly three extra minutes per pound compared to an unstuffed one at the same temperature.
What internal temperature should turkey reach?
Turkey is safely done when a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the thigh, not touching bone, and in the center of the stuffing if the bird is stuffed. Temperature, not time, is the definitive test of doneness, so a thermometer is essential for a safe and properly cooked turkey.
Does the turkey need to be fully thawed first?
Yes. These cooking times assume a fully thawed turkey. A partially frozen bird cooks unevenly and takes much longer, and it is unsafe to roast a still-frozen turkey by these estimates. Allow adequate thawing time in the refrigerator, roughly 24 hours for every four to five pounds, before roasting.
Should I let the turkey rest after cooking?
Yes. Let the turkey rest for about 20 to 30 minutes after removing it from the oven before carving. Resting lets the juices redistribute through the meat, keeping it moist, and makes carving easier. The internal temperature also rises slightly during resting, so you can remove the bird when it is a few degrees below the target.