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Turkey Cooking Time Calculator

Written by · Updated August 13, 2026

Enter your turkey’s weight and whether it’s stuffed to get the roasting time at 325°F, plus the exact time to put it in the oven for your dinner.

Cook time
Active cook
Rest
20 min
Total
Cook to
165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh

Cooked in oven at 325°F (165°C). Times are estimates, always confirm with a meat thermometer.

How long to cook turkey

The cooking time for turkey depends mainly on its weight and how you’re cooking it. As a starting point, the table below shows estimates in oven at 325°F (165°C) for the unstuffed method. Add the resting time, and remember a thermometer is the only way to know it’s truly done.

Turkey cooking time by weight

WeightActive cook (Unstuffed)+ Rest
6 lb 1 hr 20 min 1 hr 40 min
10 lb 2 hr 10 min 2 hr 30 min
14 lb 3 hr 3 hr 20 min
18 lb 3 hr 55 min 4 hr 15 min
22 lb 4 hr 45 min 5 hr 5 min
26 lb 5 hr 40 min 6 hr
30 lb 6 hr 30 min 6 hr 50 min

Safe internal temperature

Cook to: 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

Tips

  • Thaw a frozen turkey in the fridge, about 24 hours for every 4–5 lb.
  • Tent the breast with foil if it browns before the thigh is done.
  • Rest the turkey 20–30 minutes before carving so juices redistribute.
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 does it take to cook a turkey?

At 325°F, allow about 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey and 15 minutes per pound if stuffed, then rest 20–30 minutes. A 14 lb unstuffed turkey takes roughly 3 hours. Always confirm 165°F in the thigh.

What temperature should turkey be cooked to?

Cook turkey to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) measured in the thickest part of the thigh, away from the bone.

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