Turkey Cooking Time Calculator
How long to roast a turkey at 325°F by weight, stuffed or unstuffed — with the safe temperature to confirm.
How it works
minutes = weight (lb) × 13 (unstuffed) or 15 (stuffed), roasting at 325°F — shown as a ±15 min window
At the USDA-recommended 325°F oven, an unstuffed turkey needs roughly 13 minutes per pound and a stuffed one about 15, because the stuffing’s core also has to reach 165°F. The range reflects reality — oven accuracy, how cold the bird went in, and how often the door opens all move the finish time. The clock gets you close; the thermometer decides.
Worked example
A 14-lb unstuffed turkey: 14 × 13 = 182 minutes, so plan a 2 h 47 min – 3 h 17 min window at 325°F, then confirm 165°F in the innermost thigh before resting and carving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does thawing take first?
In the refrigerator, budget 24 hours per 4–5 lb — about 3–4 days for a 14-lb bird. Cold-water thawing runs 30 minutes per pound with water changes every half hour. Never thaw on the counter.
Why did my turkey finish early?
Convection fans, a hot-running oven, a smaller-than-labeled bird or a dark roasting pan all speed things up — which is exactly why the estimate is a window and the thermometer is the referee.
Is stuffing inside the bird a good idea?
It’s the riskier route: the stuffing’s center must hit 165°F, by which point breast meat is often overdone. Cooking dressing in a separate dish is both safer and better eating; the USDA leans the same way.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.