Turkey Cooking Time Calculator
Avoid overcooked or underdone turkeys—plan your roasting schedule with confidence.
Timeline is built backwards from your meal time.
Estimated cook time
3h 36m
Includes stuffed adjustment: 0 min/lb
Resting time
30 minutes
Rest before carving for juicy meat
Meal time
06:00 PM
Adjust time input to fit your schedule
Timeline
- 01:14 PM – Preheat oven, prep aromatics/butter (30 min before roasting)
- 01:44 PM – Place turkey in oven
- 05:20 PM – Target pull time (tent with foil to rest)
- 05:50 PM – Start carving and plating
- 06:00 PM – Serve dinner!
Roast at 350°F (177°C) Tips
- Begin checking internal temperature 45 minutes before the estimated finish.
- Remove when breast hits 160°F (71°C) and thigh 170°F (77°C).
How to Use This Calculator
Input turkey weight and method
Choose roasting temperature or spatchcock method to tailor the minutes-per-pound estimate.
Set your serving time
The calculator works backwards to create prep, roasting, resting, and carving milestones.
Monitor internal temperatures
Use the timeline as a guide, but rely on a probe thermometer for doneness.
Formula
Cook time = weight × (method minutes per lb + stuffed adjustment)
Preheat start = Meal time − (Cook time + Rest + Prep)
Example: 16 lb turkey, 350°F, unstuffed → 16 × 13.5 = 216 min (3h 36m). Pull by 15:20 for 18:00 dinner.
Tip: For larger birds, consider splitting into breasts and legs for more even cooking.
Full Description
Turkey roasting times vary with weight, oven temperature, and stuffing. This calculator provides a reliable estimate tailored to three common approaches: classic 350°F roasting, slower 325°F roasting for big birds, and high-heat spatchcocking. Enter your turkey weight and desired serving time to receive a full timeline—from preheating to carving.
The tool adds resting and carving buffers, ensuring the turkey remains juicy and arrives at the table on schedule. Use the provided notes to optimize browning, monitor internal temperatures, and adjust for stuffed turkeys.
Why it helps
- Avoids undercooking or overcooking the holiday centerpiece.
- Simplifies day-of planning with a reverse timeline.
- Highlights method-specific tips for better texture and flavor.
- Guides multi-tasking cooks managing sides and desserts.
Combine this tool with a probe thermometer and a thawing calculator to streamline your entire Thanksgiving turkey workflow. Adjust times for convection ovens (reduce by ~10%) or high-altitude cooking (increase slightly).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to baste the turkey?
Basting isn’t required; it lowers oven temperature. Instead, rub with butter or oil before roasting.
What if my turkey is partially frozen?
Add 10–15 minutes per pound and roast covered until the interior thaws. Always verify internal temperatures.
Can I brine the turkey?
Yes. Wet or dry brining doesn’t significantly change cook time, but remove excess surface moisture before roasting.
How long can turkey rest?
30–40 minutes is ideal. Keep tented with foil; carve the breast last to retain juices.