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Brisket Smoking Time Calculator

Written by · Updated August 13, 2026

Smoking a brisket? Enter the weight and your smoker temperature to estimate total time, and budget for the stall and a long rest.

Cook time
Active cook
Rest
1 hr
Total
Cook to
Probe-tender, around 203°F (95°C) internal

Cooked in smoker at 225°F (107°C). Times are estimates, always confirm with a meat thermometer.

How long to cook brisket

The cooking time for brisket depends mainly on its weight and how you’re cooking it. As a starting point, the table below shows estimates in smoker at 225°F (107°C) for the low & slow (225°f) method. Add the resting time, and remember a thermometer is the only way to know it’s truly done.

Brisket cooking time by weight

WeightActive cook (Low & slow (225°F))+ Rest
4 lb 5 hr 6 hr
6.5 lb 8 hr 10 min 9 hr 10 min
9.5 lb 11 hr 55 min 12 hr 55 min
12 lb 15 hr 16 hr
14.5 lb 18 hr 10 min 19 hr 10 min
17.5 lb 21 hr 55 min 22 hr 55 min
20 lb 25 hr 26 hr

Safe internal temperature

Cook to: Probe-tender, around 203°F (95°C) internal.

Tips

  • Plan for the stall around 150–170°F, when the temperature plateaus for hours.
  • Wrap in butcher paper or foil (the “Texas crutch”) to power through the stall.
  • Rest wrapped in a cooler for 1+ hour, brisket needs a long rest.
These times are estimates that vary with your oven, the starting temperature of the meat and other factors. Always verify doneness with a food thermometer before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long to smoke a brisket?

At 225°F, plan for roughly 75 minutes per pound, a 12 lb brisket can take 15 hours plus a rest. At 275°F (“hot & fast”) it’s closer to 50 min/lb. Cook until probe-tender, around 203°F.

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