Turkey Cooking Time Per Pound
Roasting at 325°F? Plan on about 13 to 15 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey. A stuffed bird takes a little longer.
The real test is the thermometer. Your turkey is done when the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh, and the wing joint all hit 165°F.
Turkey roasting chart at 325°F
| Turkey size | Unstuffed | Stuffed |
|---|---|---|
| 8 to 12 lb | 2.75 to 3 hours | 3 to 3.5 hours |
| 12 to 14 lb | 3 to 3.75 hours | 3.5 to 4 hours |
| 14 to 18 lb | 3.75 to 4.25 hours | 4 to 4.25 hours |
| 18 to 20 lb | 4.25 to 4.5 hours | 4.25 to 4.75 hours |
| 20 to 24 lb | 4.5 to 5 hours | 4.75 to 5.25 hours |
These times come from the USDA's roasting chart and assume a fully thawed bird. If it's still partly frozen, add time. A lot of time.
Copy this Thanksgiving timeline
Say you've got a 16 pound unstuffed turkey and you want to eat at 3 pm.
- 9:30 am: Pull the turkey out of the fridge. Pat it dry. Season it.
- 10:00 am: Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- 10:15 am: Turkey goes in.
- 1:00 pm: Start checking the temp in a few spots.
- 2:00 to 2:30 pm: Breast hits 165°F. Pull it out and tent it loosely with foil.
- 2:30 pm: Make the gravy from the drippings while it rests. Warm up the sides in the oven.
- 3:00 pm: Carve and eat.
Resting isn't optional. Give it at least 20 to 30 minutes. The juices settle back in and you won't flood your cutting board.
Should you stuff the turkey?
You can. Just know the stuffing in the middle of the bird has to reach 165°F too. By the time it does, the breast is often overcooked.
Our take? Bake your stuffing in a separate dish. You get crispy edges, a juicier bird, and one less thing to worry about.
Why your turkey is taking forever
- It's not fully thawed. The number one reason. Check our thawing chart next year.
- You keep opening the oven. Every peek drops the heat.
- Your oven runs cold. A cheap oven thermometer will tell you.
- The bird went in ice cold. Letting it sit out for 30 minutes before roasting helps a little.
Why your turkey cooked too fast
Big birds can surprise you, especially if they're fully thawed and your oven runs hot. That's why you start checking the temp about an hour before the chart says it's done. If it finishes early, tent it with foil and a towel. It'll hold for an hour.
Smoking instead?
Smoking runs slower. At 275°F you're looking at 20 to 25 minutes per pound. See our smoked turkey guide for the full chart.
How big a bird do you need?
Figure 1.5 pounds per person. Our turkey size chart breaks it down, or plug your guest count into the meat calculator.
FAQ
How long do you cook a turkey per pound?
At 325°F, cook an unstuffed turkey about 13 to 15 minutes per pound. A stuffed turkey takes a little longer.
How long does it take to cook a 20 pound turkey?
An unstuffed 20 pound turkey takes about 4.25 to 5 hours at 325°F. A stuffed one takes about 4.75 to 5.25 hours.
What temperature is turkey done?
Turkey is done at 165°F. Check the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh and the wing joint.
Should I cover my turkey with foil while it roasts?
Roast it uncovered so the skin browns. If the breast browns too fast, lay a loose tent of foil over it for the rest of the cook.
How long should a turkey rest before carving?
Let your turkey rest at least 20 to 30 minutes before carving so the juices settle back into the meat.