How turkey roasting time is estimated
Roasting time for a whole turkey depends mainly on its weight, whether the cavity is stuffed, and the oven temperature. As a widely-used general guideline at 325°F, unstuffed turkeys take roughly 13 minutes per pound, while stuffed turkeys take roughly 15 minutes per pound because the stuffing slows heat penetration to the center of the bird. A slightly higher oven temperature shortens the total time somewhat.
How this calculator works
Enter your turkey’s weight, select whether it’s stuffed, and choose your oven temperature. The calculator multiplies the weight by the appropriate minutes-per-pound rate to give you an estimated total roasting time.
- Always confirm doneness with a food thermometer: the thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F (74°C), and stuffing should also reach 165°F.
- Let the turkey rest 20-30 minutes before carving; resting time is not included in the estimate above.
This estimate is for general meal-planning purposes only. Actual cooking time varies by oven, bird shape, and whether the turkey is fully thawed, so always verify with a thermometer rather than time alone.