Thanksgiving Cooking Timeline Calculator
Enter your turkey weight and get roast time, safe fridge-thaw days and a countdown timeline so everything lands on the table at once.
How it works
Roast time = weight × (unstuffed 13 / stuffed 15) min per lb at 325°F · Fridge thaw ≈ 1 day per 4 lb · Rest = 30 min
A turkey roasts at roughly 13 minutes per pound unstuffed, or 15 minutes per pound stuffed, in a 325°F oven — always confirm doneness with a thermometer reading 165°F in the thigh rather than by the clock alone. Thawing is the step people underestimate: a turkey needs about 24 hours of refrigerator time per 4 to 5 pounds, so a 15-pound bird must come out of the freezer several days ahead. Resting for at least 30 minutes lets the juices redistribute so the meat carves clean.
Worked example
A 15 lb unstuffed turkey needs 15 × 13 = 195 minutes, about 3h 15m, of roasting plus a 30-minute rest — so it goes in the oven 3h 45m before serving. Thawing takes ceil(15 ÷ 4) = 4 days in the fridge.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a turkey take to cook per pound?
At 325°F, plan about 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey and 15 minutes per pound if stuffed. These are estimates — the turkey is done when a thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh and the stuffing also reaches 165°F.
How far ahead should I take the turkey out to thaw?
In the refrigerator, allow roughly 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. A 12-pound bird needs about 3 days; a 20-pound bird closer to 5. Thaw in the fridge, not on the counter, to keep it out of the unsafe temperature range.
Why let the turkey rest before carving?
Resting for 30 to 45 minutes lets the juices, driven to the center by the heat, redistribute through the meat. Carve too soon and those juices run out onto the board, leaving the slices drier. The turkey stays hot under a foil tent.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.