Cooking time

Turkey Cooking Time Calculator

Enter your turkey's weight and cooking method. Get the exact time to plan for, including rest time before carving.

Cooking method

Free · instant
Estimated cooking time
Plus rest time

Safe internal temp: 165°F in breast and thigh

Cooking time by method

  • Standard roast (325°F) — about 15 min/lb unstuffed, 18–20 min/lb stuffed.
  • Spatchcock (425°F) — roughly 11–13 min/lb, cooks faster because the bird is flat.
  • Deep-fried (350°F oil) — about 3–4 min/lb; always verify 165°F internal temp.
  • Rest time — let the turkey rest 20–45 minutes before carving so juices redistribute.
Questions

Turkey Cooking Time Calculator FAQ

How long do you cook a turkey per pound?

For a standard roast at 325°F, plan about 15 minutes per pound unstuffed, or 17–20 minutes per pound stuffed. Spatchcocked birds cook faster at roughly 11–13 minutes per pound. Deep-fried turkeys cook at about 3–4 minutes per pound.

Does a stuffed turkey really take longer?

Yes — stuffing slows heat transfer to the cavity, adding roughly 2–5 minutes per pound. Most importantly, the center of the stuffing must also reach 165°F, which takes extra time.

How long should a turkey rest after cooking?

Rest for at least 20–30 minutes for a small bird (under 12 lb) and up to 45 minutes for a large one (over 18 lb). This lets the juices redistribute and makes carving easier.