Turkey Size Calculator
Calculate what size turkey to buy for your number of guests.
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The standard rule for turkey sizing is 1 to 1.5 pounds of whole turkey per person. A whole turkey yields about 55% cooked meat after bones, skin and moisture loss. For Thanksgiving or Christmas with leftovers for sandwiches, plan 1.5 lb per guest. For just the main meal, 1 lb per person is sufficient.
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Frequently asked questions
For 10 people with some leftovers, buy a 15 lb (6.8 kg) turkey. For minimal leftovers, a 10 lb turkey is enough. For lots of leftovers, get a 20 lb turkey.
For 20 guests with some leftovers, buy a 30 lb turkey or two smaller turkeys (15 lb each). Two smaller birds are easier to cook evenly and faster to roast.
A whole turkey yields about 55% of its raw weight as cooked meat. A 15 lb raw turkey gives about 8.25 lb of cooked meat, enough for about 22 servings at 170g each.
At 325°F, plan 13-17 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey. A 15 lb turkey takes about 3.25-4.25 hours. Always use a meat thermometer - the thigh should reach 165°F.
Two smaller turkeys cook more evenly and faster. If you need more than 20 lb of turkey, two 12-15 lb birds are better than one giant bird that may cook unevenly.