Turkey Size Calculator
Find the right turkey size for your guest count.
Returns recommended pounds per person with cooking time at 325°F and internal temperature target of 165°F.
Turkey size per person is a deceptively simple calculation that involves per-person serving allowances, bone weight, and whether you want enough for leftovers.
Core formula: Turkey Weight (lbs) = Number of Guests × Pounds per Person
Standard serving guidelines:
| Scenario | Pounds per Person |
|---|---|
| No leftovers desired | 1.0–1.25 lbs/person |
| Moderate leftovers | 1.25–1.5 lbs/person |
| Generous leftovers | 1.5–2.0 lbs/person |
| Crowd of big eaters | 2.0 lbs/person |
Why these amounts seem high: A raw turkey is roughly 30–40% bone, neck, giblets, and cavity by weight. Of the remaining meat, cooking shrinkage reduces the yield by another 20–25%. The actual edible meat from a 15 lb turkey is approximately 5.5–7 lbs — enough for 9–12 moderate servings.
Worked example: Thanksgiving dinner: 14 adults and 4 children (count children as 0.75 adult servings). Equivalent adults = 14 + (4 × 0.75) = 17 adult servings With generous leftovers (1.5 lbs/person): 17 × 1.5 = 25.5 lbs → Buy a 26 lb turkey or two smaller 13 lb birds (better for oven space and even cooking)
Turkey size to cooking time (unstuffed, 325°F):
| Turkey Weight | Approximate Cook Time | Internal Temp |
|---|---|---|
| 8–12 lbs | 2.75–3 hrs | 165°F breast / 175°F thigh |
| 12–14 lbs | 3–3.75 hrs | Same |
| 14–18 lbs | 3.75–4.25 hrs | Same |
| 18–20 lbs | 4.25–4.5 hrs | Same |
| 20–24 lbs | 4.5–5 hrs | Same |
Pro tip: Two smaller turkeys (12–14 lbs each) cook more evenly, faster, and fit in a standard oven side by side better than one massive bird.
How we build and check this calculator
This calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device. The math behind it is written by hand and tested against worked examples and standard references before the page goes live.
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