Turkey Cooking Time Calculator

Calculate the perfect cooking time for your turkey based on weight, stuffing, oven temperature, and cooking method. Get accurate roasting times, internal temperature targets, and thawing recommendations for a perfectly cooked holiday turkey.

Enter turkey weight between 4-30 lbs

Cooking Time Formula: Base Time = Weight × Minutes per Pound Minutes per Pound = 15 (unstuffed) or 18 (stuffed) at 325°F Temperature Adjustment: • 325°F: 1.0× (recommended) • 350°F: 0.9× (10% faster) • 375°F: 0.85× (15% faster) Method Adjustment: • Conventional: 1.0× • Convection: 0.75× (25% faster) • Electric Roaster: 0.9× (10% faster) Total Cooking Time = Base Time × Temp Multiplier × Method Multiplier Thawing Time = Weight ÷ 4 pounds per day (refrigerator method)
Example Calculation: Turkey Weight: 14 lbs Stuffing: Unstuffed Oven Temperature: 325°F Cooking Method: Conventional Oven Base Time = 14 × 15 = 210 minutes Temperature Multiplier = 1.0 (325°F) Method Multiplier = 1.0 (conventional) Total Cooking Time = 210 × 1.0 × 1.0 = 210 minutes = 3h 30m With 30-minute rest: 4h 0m total Target Internal Temperature: 165°F Thawing Time: 14 ÷ 4 = 3.5 days (4 days recommended)

How long does it take to cook a turkey at 325°F?

At 325°F, an unstuffed turkey takes approximately 13-15 minutes per pound. A 12-14 lb turkey will take 3-3.75 hours, while a 14-18 lb turkey takes 3.75-4.25 hours. A stuffed turkey requires 15-18 minutes per pound and will take longer. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What temperature should a cooked turkey be?

A fully cooked turkey must reach an internal temperature of 165°F in three places: the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh, and the innermost part of the wing. If the turkey is stuffed, the center of the stuffing must also reach 165°F for food safety.

How long do I need to thaw a frozen turkey?

In the refrigerator, allow 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. A 12-pound turkey needs 3 days, while a 20-pound turkey needs 4-5 days. For faster thawing, submerge the wrapped turkey in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes (30 minutes per pound).

Should I cook a turkey stuffed or unstuffed?

Cooking unstuffed turkey is safer and faster, taking 13-15 minutes per pound versus 15-18 minutes for stuffed. Unstuffed turkey cooks more evenly and reduces food safety risks. If you do stuff your turkey, loosely fill the cavity and ensure the stuffing center reaches 165°F. Consider cooking stuffing separately for best results.

Does a convection oven cook turkey faster?

Yes, a convection oven cooks turkey about 25% faster than a conventional oven due to continuous air circulation. Reduce cooking time or lower the temperature by 25°F when using convection. A 14-pound turkey that takes 3.75 hours conventionally will take about 2.75-3 hours in a convection oven at 325°F.

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