Thanksgiving Dinner Quantities Calculator
How much turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and pie to make for Thanksgiving — sized to your guest count with or without leftovers.
How it works
turkey (lb) = guests × lb-per-person · stuffing = 0.75 cup × guests · mashed = 0.5 lb potatoes × guests · pies = ⌈guests ÷ 8⌉
Turkey is the anchor at roughly a pound to a pound and a half per person bone-in — the bone, cavity and skin mean edible meat is far less than the raw weight, and a bit extra buys you sandwiches on Friday. Everything else scales off head count with catering-standard per-person amounts. Cook time is estimated at about 15 minutes per pound unstuffed at 325°F, but always finish by thermometer to 165°F in the thigh.
Worked example
Ten guests wanting some leftovers: 10 × 1.5 = a 15 lb turkey, roughly 3¾ hours at 325°F. Alongside it: 7.5 cups of stuffing, about 5 lb of potatoes, 3⅓ cups of gravy, 2.5 cups of cranberry sauce, 2.5 lb of vegetables, 15 rolls and two pies.
Frequently asked questions
Is a pound of turkey per person really necessary?
For a bone-in bird, yes — roughly 1¼ lb per person gives a satisfying portion with little left over, because bone and cavity are a big share of the raw weight. Drop to about ¾ lb per person only for boneless breast.
How long does the turkey take to cook?
Plan about 13 minutes per pound unstuffed and 15 per pound stuffed at 325°F, then confirm with a thermometer: 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh and the center of any stuffing. This tool uses 15 min/lb as a safe estimate.
Should I make one big pie or several?
Standard 9-inch pies cut into eight slices, so one pie per eight guests covers a single dessert each. Bake at least two kinds if you want variety — people take a sliver of each.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.