⏱️ Cooking Time Calculator
Calculate cooking times based on food type, weight, temperature, and cooking method.
How to Use This Calculator
Select food type
Choose the type of food you're cooking: meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, or baking.
Enter weight and temperature
Input the weight in pounds and your cooking temperature in Fahrenheit.
Choose cooking method
Select your cooking method (roasting, grilling, braising, etc.). Available methods vary by food type.
Review cooking time
The calculator provides estimated cooking time. Always verify with a food thermometer for safety.
Formula
Cooking Time = Weight × Base Time × (Standard Temp ÷ Actual Temp)
Base times are per pound at 350°F. Lower temperatures require longer cooking times, while higher temperatures reduce cooking time.
Example
A 5-pound roast at 350°F: 5 lbs × 20 min/lb = 100 minutes (1 hour 40 minutes). At 300°F: 5 lbs × 20 min/lb × (350/300) = 116 minutes (1 hour 56 minutes).
Full Description
This cooking time calculator helps you estimate how long to cook various foods based on weight, temperature, and cooking method. Whether you're roasting a turkey, grilling steaks, or baking vegetables, this tool provides starting estimates for your cooking time.
The calculator uses industry-standard cooking time guidelines adjusted for temperature. Lower cooking temperatures require longer times, while higher temperatures cook faster. The tool accounts for different cooking methods, as grilling typically takes less time than roasting, for example.
Important Safety Notes
- Always use a food thermometer: Cooking times are estimates. Internal temperature is the only reliable way to ensure food safety.
- Safe internal temperatures: Beef/steak: 145°F, Ground meat: 160°F, Poultry: 165°F, Fish: 145°F.
- Resting time: Meat and poultry should rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
Ideal for
- ✅ Planning meal preparation and timing
- ✅ Estimating cooking times for large cuts of meat
- ✅ Adjusting recipes for different oven temperatures
- ✅ Learning cooking time guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are the cooking times?
The times are estimates based on standard guidelines. Actual cooking time varies with oven accuracy, food shape, starting temperature, and other factors. Always use a food thermometer to verify doneness.
What if I'm cooking at a different temperature?
The calculator automatically adjusts for temperature. Lower temperatures require longer cooking times, and higher temperatures reduce cooking time proportionally.
Do I need to adjust for bone-in vs. boneless?
Bone-in cuts may take slightly longer, but the difference is usually minimal. The calculator provides a good starting point for both.
Can I use this for slow cooking or pressure cooking?
This calculator is designed for conventional cooking methods (roasting, grilling, etc.). Slow cookers and pressure cookers have different time requirements and should use specialized guidelines.
What about frozen vs. thawed food?
This calculator assumes the food is thawed or fresh. Frozen food requires significantly longer cooking times and should be thawed first for best results and food safety.
Why is resting time important?
Resting allows meat juices to redistribute throughout the cut, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. It also allows the internal temperature to continue rising slightly, which is important for food safety.