Turkey Brine Calculator
Wet or dry — get the exact salt-to-water ratio, brine time, and container size you need for your bird.
Understand the recommendation
Read the complete guide for assumptions, safety notes, examples, and practical decisions behind this calculator.
Read the related guide →Brine recipe
Free · instantBrine basics
- Wet brine — submerge the turkey in a saltwater solution. More forgiving on timing, with a juicier result.
- Dry brine — rub salt directly on the skin. Crispier skin and deeper flavor, but it needs fridge space.
- Always use kosher salt — table salt is denser and will over-salt.
- Rinse and pat dry after brining. Wet skin will not crisp.
- Never brine a pre-brined or enhanced turkey; check the label for injected salt solution.
Turkey Brine Calculator FAQ
Wet brine vs. dry brine — which is better?
Both work. Wet brining infuses moisture and is more forgiving on timing. Dry brining (salt rubbed directly on skin) produces crispier skin and concentrated flavor, but requires more fridge space and planning.
How much salt per gallon of water for turkey brine?
A standard wet brine uses about 1 cup of kosher salt per gallon of water (roughly 5% concentration). For a stronger brine, use 1½ cups per gallon. Always use kosher or sea salt — not iodized table salt.
How long should I brine a turkey?
Wet brine: 8–12 hours for a small bird (under 12 lb), 12–24 hours for a large one. Dry brine: 24–48 hours. Don't exceed 48 hours for either method or the meat can become mushy.
Explore more turkey calculators
Turkey Per Person Calculator
Start from guest count instead of total weight.
Turkey Cooking Time Calculator
By weight, method, and stuffed vs. unstuffed.
Turkey Thawing Calculator
Backward-plan from your serve time.
Spatchcock Time Calculator
See how much time spatchcocking saves.
Deep-Fried Turkey Calculator
Oil volume, time per pound, safety caps.
Turkey Cost Calculator
Budget by size and price per pound.
Turkey Calories Calculator
Macros per serving, by cut.
Rest & Carving Calculator
Rest time plus expected carved yield.
Turkey Size Chart
Standalone printable reference table.
Catering Calculator (25–100+)
Large-event and multi-bird planning.
Turkey Leftovers Calculator
Safe storage days and reheating amounts.