Turkey Cooking Time Calculator

Q: How long should a turkey rest before carving?

A turkey should rest for 20 to 30 minutes after coming out of the oven. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moister and more flavorful bird. Tent loosely with aluminum foil during resting.

Find out exactly how long to cook your turkey based on weight and cooking method. Get start-time recommendations so your holiday bird is ready right on schedule.

By Jordan Rivera|Updated Feb 26, 2026

Turkey Weight

in lbs

Cooking Method

Quick:

Turkey Cooking Temperature Guide

Cooking temperature and time depend heavily on the method you choose. Here is a quick reference for each approach:

Unstuffed roasting (325°F): About 15 minutes per pound. This is the most common method and produces even cooking. A 12 lb unstuffed turkey takes roughly 3 hours.
Stuffed roasting (325°F): About 20 minutes per pound. Stuffing inside the cavity slows heat penetration, so allow extra time. A 12 lb stuffed turkey needs approximately 4 hours.
Deep frying (350°F oil): About 3 minutes per pound. Deep frying is fast and delivers exceptionally crispy skin. A 12 lb turkey finishes in roughly 36 minutes. Only use turkeys under 16 lbs for safety.
Spatchcocked (450°F): About 12 minutes per pound. Removing the backbone and flattening the bird dramatically reduces cooking time while keeping meat juicy. A 12 lb spatchcocked turkey takes roughly 2 hours and 24 minutes.

Stuffed vs. Unstuffed Timing

Stuffing a turkey adds significant cooking time because the dense filling inside the cavity acts as insulation. The center of the stuffing must reach 165°F for food safety, which means the bird stays in the oven longer. For faster, more predictable results, many chefs recommend cooking stuffing separately in a casserole dish and roasting the turkey unstuffed.

Resting Time Is Essential

After removing your turkey from the oven, let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes before carving. Resting allows the internal juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. If you carve too soon, those juices run out onto the cutting board instead of staying in the meat. Tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil during the rest to keep it warm without trapping steam that would soften the skin.

How to Tell When Your Turkey Is Done

The only reliable way to know your turkey is fully cooked is by checking the internal temperature with an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If your turkey is stuffed, also check the center of the stuffing — it must reach 165°F as well. Do not rely solely on cooking time or the pop-up timer that comes with some turkeys, as these can be inaccurate.

Turkey Cooking Time Chart

This quick-reference table shows estimated cooking times for the four most popular methods at standard temperatures. All times assume the turkey starts fully thawed.

Turkey Weight	Unstuffed (325°F)	Stuffed (325°F)	Deep Fried (350°F)	Spatchcocked (450°F)
8 lbs	2 hr 0 min	2 hr 40 min	24 min	1 hr 36 min
10 lbs	2 hr 30 min	3 hr 20 min	30 min	2 hr 0 min
12 lbs	3 hr 0 min	4 hr 0 min	36 min	2 hr 24 min
15 lbs	3 hr 45 min	5 hr 0 min	45 min	3 hr 0 min
18 lbs	4 hr 30 min	6 hr 0 min	54 min	3 hr 36 min
20 lbs	5 hr 0 min	6 hr 40 min	60 min	4 hr 0 min
25 lbs	6 hr 15 min	8 hr 20 min	N/A (too large)	5 hr 0 min

Important: These are estimates. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

Turkey Thawing Time Guide

A frozen turkey must be fully thawed before roasting (unless cooking from frozen). There are two safe thawing methods:

Turkey Weight	Refrigerator (40°F)	Cold Water Bath	Serves (People)
8-10 lbs	2 days	4-5 hours	6-8
10-14 lbs	2-3 days	5-7 hours	8-12
14-18 lbs	3-4 days	7-9 hours	12-15
18-22 lbs	4-5 days	9-11 hours	15-18
22-25 lbs	5-6 days	11-13 hours	18-22

Cold water method: Submerge the wrapped turkey in cold water and change the water every 30 minutes. Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound. Never thaw a turkey at room temperature or in hot water — this creates dangerous bacteria growth.

Cooking Method Comparison

Each cooking method produces different results. Choose the best approach for your goals:

Method	Temp	Skin	Moisture	Difficulty	Best For
Unstuffed Roast	325°F	Good	Good	Easy	Beginners, reliable results
Stuffed Roast	325°F	Good	Excellent	Moderate	Traditional holiday meals
Deep Fried	350°F oil	Crispiest	Very Good	Advanced	Speed, crispy skin lovers
Spatchcocked	450°F	Very Crispy	Excellent	Moderate	Even cooking, crispy skin

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to cook a 15 lb turkey?

An unstuffed 15 lb turkey takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes at 325°F. A stuffed 15 lb turkey takes about 5 hours at 325°F. If you deep fry it, expect about 45 minutes. A spatchcocked 15 lb turkey finishes in around 3 hours at 450°F. Always use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What temperature should I cook a turkey?

The standard roasting temperature for turkey is 325°F (163°C) for both stuffed and unstuffed birds. Deep frying uses 350°F oil temperature. Spatchcocked turkey cooks at a higher 450°F for a shorter time, which produces particularly crispy skin. Regardless of the oven temperature, the turkey is done when the thickest part of the thigh reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

How long should a turkey rest before carving?

Let your turkey rest for 20 to 30 minutes after removing it from the oven. Larger turkeys (over 18 lbs) benefit from resting closer to 30 minutes. Tent the bird loosely with foil during resting. This allows juices to redistribute, making the meat significantly more moist and easier to carve.

Should I cook my turkey at 325°F or 350°F?

Both temperatures work, but 325°F is the most widely recommended. Cooking at 325°F provides gentler, more even heat that reduces the risk of drying out the breast meat before the thighs finish cooking. At 350°F, you will shave off some time but need to monitor more carefully. Our calculator uses 325°F for standard roasting as the baseline.

How long does it take to thaw a frozen turkey?

In the refrigerator, allow 24 hours per 4-5 pounds. A 15 lb turkey takes about 3-4 days in the fridge. For faster thawing, submerge in cold water (changed every 30 minutes) at about 30 minutes per pound — a 15 lb turkey thaws in roughly 7.5 hours. Never thaw at room temperature.

How much turkey do I need per person?

Plan for 1 to 1.5 pounds of whole turkey per person. This accounts for bones, skin, and shrinkage during cooking. For 10 guests, buy a 12-15 lb turkey. If you want plenty of leftovers, aim for 1.5 to 2 pounds per person.

Can I cook a turkey from frozen?

Yes, the USDA confirms you can cook a frozen turkey safely. It takes about 50% longer than a thawed turkey. A 15 lb frozen turkey at 325°F takes approximately 5.5 to 6 hours. However, you cannot stuff a frozen turkey, and you should remove the giblet bag partway through cooking when it loosens.