Turkey Defrost Calculator
Plan thawing in the fridge or with the cold-water method to avoid last-minute panic.
Use packaged weight or add 5% for injected birds.
Optional. Leave blank to just see thaw durations.
Fridge thawing (40°F / 4°C)
Allow 4 full days in the refrigerator.
Rule: 4–5 lb per day. Your turkey needs approximately 96.0 hours.
- Start thawing: Nov 23, 2025, 6:00 AM
- Ready to cook: Nov 27, 2025, 6:00 PM
Keep turkey in its wrapper on a tray to catch drips. Once thawed, it's safe in the fridge for up to 2 additional days.
Cold-water thawing (change water every 30 min)
Requires 8.0 hours (about 16 water changes).
- Start thawing: Nov 27, 2025, 10:00 AM
- Ready to cook: Nov 27, 2025, 6:00 PM
Use cold tap water (≤ 40°F / 4°C). Cook immediately after thawing with this method.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the turkey weight
Find it on the label. Adjust for giblets or extra brine weight if needed.
Optionally add your cook start time
The calculator then tells you exactly when to start thawing using fridge or cold-water methods.
Choose a thawing approach
Use the fridge method for safest results; cold water helps when you’re short on time.
Formula
Fridge time (days) = weight ÷ 4 · Cold water time (hours) = weight × 0.5
Example: 16 lb turkey → fridge ≈ 4 days (96 hours). Cold water ≈ 8 hours with 16 water changes.
Tip: Always allow an extra buffer day for unexpected delays or slow-thawing birds.
Full Description
Safe turkey thawing is essential to prevent foodborne illness. This calculator helps you schedule thawing based on the turkey’s weight and your dinner plan. Use the refrigerator method when you have multiple days, or the cold-water method when you’re short on time. Enter a target cooking time to generate a complete thawing timeline.
Remember to keep the turkey at safe temperatures (below 40°F / 4°C) during thawing. For cold-water thawing, change the water every 30 minutes. If you finish thawing early, refrigerate the bird until cooking day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I thaw a turkey on the counter?
No. Room-temperature thawing allows bacteria to grow. Always use the fridge or cold-water method.
How do I thaw a turkey breast?
Apply the same rules: 1 day per 4–5 lb in the fridge, or 30 minutes per pound in cold water.
What if it’s still icy inside?
Finish thawing with cold water. Remove giblets and separate drumsticks to speed up the process if needed.
Can I refreeze a thawed turkey?
Yes, if thawed in the fridge and refrozen within 2 days—but quality may decrease. Never refreeze after cold-water thawing.