meat type
Turkey Cooking Time Calculator
Calculate USDA-safe cooking times for whole turkey by weight and oven temperature.
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Try an Example
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Thanksgiving Turkey
14 lb turkey at 325 degrees F, unstuffed, standard oven.
Key values: 14 lb turkey · 325 degrees F · Standard oven
Roast Chicken
5 lb whole chicken at 375 degrees F in a convection oven.
Key values: 5 lb chicken · 375 degrees F · Convection oven
Sunday Beef Roast
8 lb bone-in beef roast at 350 degrees F, started at room temperature.
Key values: 8 lb beef roast · 350 degrees F · Room temp start
Cooking Time by Weight
At a standard oven temperature of 325°F (163°C), estimate cooking time based on weight:
| Weight (lbs) | Unstuffed | Stuffed |
|---|---|---|
| 8–12 | 2.75–3 hours | 3–3.5 hours |
| 12–14 | 3–3.75 hours | 3.5–4 hours |
| 14–18 | 3.75–4.25 hours | 4–4.25 hours |
| 18–20 | 4.25–4.5 hours | 4.25–4.75 hours |
| 20–24 | 4.5–5 hours | 4.75–5.25 hours |
A rough formula for unstuffed turkey at 325°F:
Safe Internal Temperature
USDA minimum: 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, measured with a meat thermometer. This ensures Salmonella and other pathogens are destroyed. If stuffed, the center of the stuffing must also reach 165°F.
Resting Time and Carry-Over Cooking
After removing from the oven, the turkey's internal temperature continues to rise by due to residual heat in the outer layers. This is carry-over cooking:
Let the turkey rest 20–30 minutes before carving. Resting allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Cutting immediately releases juices onto the cutting board instead of staying in the meat.
High-Heat Roasting Alternative
Some recipes use 425–450°F (218–232°C) for a crispier skin. This reduces cooking time significantly — roughly 13 minutes per pound instead of 15–20. However, it requires more attention to prevent burning and works best for smaller birds (under 14 lbs).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long per pound do you cook a turkey?
At 325°F in a conventional oven, an unstuffed turkey takes roughly 13--15 minutes per pound. A stuffed turkey takes about 15--17 minutes per pound. Large turkeys (20+ lbs) cook faster per pound than smaller ones because heat transfer does not scale linearly with mass.
What temperature should a turkey be when done?
The USDA requires an internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) measured in the thickest part of the thigh, away from the bone, and in the center of the stuffing if the bird is stuffed. Many chefs pull at 160°F and allow carryover cooking to finish.
How long should a turkey rest before carving?
At least 20--30 minutes, loosely tented with foil. This allows juices to redistribute and carryover cooking to raise the internal temperature by 5--10°F. A longer rest (up to 45 minutes) works well for large birds.
Does a stuffed turkey take longer to cook?
Yes. Stuffing insulates the cavity, adding approximately 25% more cooking time. A 14-pound stuffed turkey takes about 3.5--4 hours versus 3--3.75 hours unstuffed at 325°F. Always verify that the center of the stuffing reaches 165°F.
Should I cook a turkey at 325°F or 350°F?
325°F is the USDA-recommended temperature for a whole turkey. It cooks evenly and reduces the risk of a dry exterior with an undercooked interior. Higher temperatures (425--450°F) can work for smaller birds under 14 lbs but require closer monitoring.
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