How big a turkey do you need?
Pounds of turkey for your guest count, the day a frozen bird has to go in the fridge for Thanksgiving, and the USDA roasting time.
How the math works
Size: the USDA allows 1 lb of whole turkey per person. That sounds like a lot, but a whole bird is mostly bone, so 1 lb raw is about one generous plate. If you want sandwiches the next day, plan 1.5 lb per person. Kids under 12 count as half.
Thawing: in the fridge, a frozen turkey thaws about 4 to 5 lb per day (USDA). We use 4 so the bird isn't still icy in the middle on Thursday morning. A thawed turkey keeps 1 to 2 days in the fridge, so starting a day early is safe.
Roasting (USDA timetable, unstuffed, 325°F): 8–12 lb, 2¾–3 hours; 12–14 lb, 3–3¾; 14–18 lb, 3¾–4¼; 18–20 lb, 4¼–4½; 20–24 lb, 4½–5. It is done at 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh, wing and breast; the clock is only a guide. A stuffed bird takes longer.
Over 24 lb? We split it into two birds. Two 15-pounders cook in about 4 hours; one 30-pounder is off the USDA chart and dries out at the edges before the middle is done. Under 8 lb? Whole turkeys that small are hard to find, so buy a bone-in breast.
Questions people ask
How big a turkey for 12 people?
18 lb if you want leftovers (1.5 lb per person), 12 lb if you don't (the USDA's 1 lb per person).
How long does a 20 lb turkey take to thaw?
5 days in the fridge. For Thanksgiving on Thursday, that means moving it from the freezer to the fridge by Saturday.
How long to cook an 18 lb turkey?
3¾ to 4¼ hours unstuffed at 325°F, per the USDA timetable. Start checking early: it is done at 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
How much turkey for 30 people?
45 lb with leftovers. Buy two turkeys of about 23 lb each rather than one giant bird, so both fit the oven and finish on time.
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