How Long to Cook a Turkey: Perfect Timing Guide

The general rule for cooking an unstuffed turkey is 13 minutes per pound at 325°F (163°C). For a stuffed turkey, allow 15 minutes per pound at the same temperature. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer—the thickest part of the breast should reach 165°F (74°C) and the innermost part of the thigh should reach 165°F (74°C). Never rely solely on cooking time.

Planning your holiday meal but unsure how long to cook a turkey properly? Getting the timing right is crucial for both food safety and achieving that perfect juicy texture. This comprehensive guide provides accurate turkey cooking times based on weight, oven temperature, and preparation method—all verified by food safety experts.

Understanding Turkey Cooking Time Variables

While the basic calculation seems simple, several factors affect how long to cook a turkey in oven settings. Understanding these variables ensures your bird comes out perfectly cooked every time.

Weight-Based Cooking Time Calculator

The most reliable method for determining how long does it take to cook a turkey uses the bird's weight. This table provides precise timing based on USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service guidelines:

Unstuffed Turkey Weight	Cooking Time at 325°F	Stuffed Turkey Weight	Cooking Time at 325°F
8-12 lbs (3.6-5.4 kg)	2¾-3 hours	8-12 lbs (3.6-5.4 kg)	3-3¾ hours
12-14 lbs (5.4-6.4 kg)	3-3¾ hours	12-14 lbs (5.4-6.4 kg)	3¾-4¼ hours
14-18 lbs (6.4-8.2 kg)	3¾-4¼ hours	14-18 lbs (6.4-8.2 kg)	4¼-4½ hours
18-20 lbs (8.2-9.1 kg)	4¼-4½ hours	18-20 lbs (8.2-9.1 kg)	4½-5 hours
20-24 lbs (9.1-10.9 kg)	4½-5 hours	20-24 lbs (9.1-10.9 kg)	5-5½ hours

Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

Your Step-by-Step Turkey Cooking Timeline

Follow this practical sequence based on how home cooks actually prepare their holiday centerpiece—not just theoretical cooking advice.

Pre-Cooking Preparation (24-48 Hours Before)

Thawing time matters when calculating total time to cook a turkey. A frozen turkey requires proper thawing in the refrigerator—allow approximately 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds. Never cook a frozen turkey without adjusting cooking time significantly (add 50% more time).

Oven Setup and Turkey Placement

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C)—this temperature ensures even cooking without drying out the meat. Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. For how long to cook turkey at 350 degrees, reduce time by about 10% but monitor closely to prevent drying.

Cooking Process: What to Expect Hour by Hour

During the first half of cooking, focus on maintaining consistent oven temperature. Baste every 45-60 minutes after the first hour. In the final hours, monitor internal temperature closely—this is when most timing mistakes happen.

Critical Doneness Checkpoints

Regardless of calculated how long to cook a whole turkey, always verify with a meat thermometer:

• Chest muscle (breast): 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part
• Thigh: 165°F (74°C) in the innermost part, not touching bone
• Stuffing (if used): 165°F (74°C) at center

The USDA emphasizes that visual cues alone cannot confirm turkey safety. Even if the meat appears done, undercooked poultry risks salmonella and other foodborne illnesses. This is why temperature verification is non-negotiable.

Special Considerations That Affect Cooking Time

Several factors require adjusting your standard how long to cook a turkey per pound calculation:

Convection Oven Adjustments

Convection ovens circulate hot air, cooking food approximately 25% faster. When using a convection setting, reduce cooking time by 25% while maintaining the same temperature. Monitor closely during the final hour.

Smoked or Grilled Turkey Timing

For how long to cook a turkey on the grill, lower temperatures (225-250°F) require significantly longer cooking—approximately 30-40 minutes per pound. Maintain consistent temperature monitoring as outdoor cooking introduces more variables.

Brined Turkey Considerations

Brined turkeys may cook slightly faster due to altered protein structure. Check temperature 30 minutes earlier than scheduled when cooking a brined bird.

Avoiding Common Turkey Cooking Mistakes

Based on analysis of home cooking forums and culinary expert consultations, these timing errors occur most frequently:

• Mistake: Starting temperature check too late
  Solution: Begin checking 1 hour before expected finish time
• Mistake: Opening oven too frequently
  Solution: Limit oven door openings to maintain consistent temperature
• Mistake: Not accounting for carryover cooking
  Solution: Remove turkey 5°F below target temperature (it will rise during resting)

Resting Time: The Final Critical Step

After removing your turkey from the oven, allow it to rest for 20-40 minutes before carving. This crucial step—often overlooked when calculating total time to cook a turkey—allows juices to redistribute. A 20-pound turkey needs at least 30 minutes of resting time. Cover loosely with foil to retain heat without creating steam that softens the skin.

Troubleshooting Turkey Cooking Issues

When timing goes wrong, these solutions can save your holiday meal:

• Problem: Turkey cooking too fast
  Solution: Reduce oven temperature by 25°F and tent breast with foil
• Problem: Turkey not reaching safe temperature on schedule
  Solution: Cover with foil to retain heat and continue cooking, checking every 20 minutes
• Problem: Breast drying out before thighs cook through
  Solution: Shield breast with foil during final cooking stages

Food Safety First: Why Timing Matters

The FDA Food Code specifies that poultry must reach 165°F (74°C) to eliminate harmful bacteria. Unlike beef or pork, turkey has no safe "medium" temperature—undercooked turkey presents serious health risks. This is why understanding exact turkey cooking time isn't just about quality—it's a food safety imperative.

How long to cook a 15-pound turkey at 325°F?

An unstuffed 15-pound turkey requires approximately 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes at 325°F. A stuffed turkey of the same weight needs about 4 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 45 minutes. Always verify with a meat thermometer—breast and thigh must reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I cook a turkey at 350°F instead of 325°F?

Yes, but reduce cooking time by about 10%. A 12-14 pound unstuffed turkey would need approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes at 350°F. Higher temperatures risk drying out the breast meat, so monitor internal temperature carefully during the final hour.

How do I know when my turkey is done without a thermometer?

While a meat thermometer is essential for food safety, visual indicators include clear juices when pierced, leg joints moving easily, and skin that's golden brown. However, these methods aren't reliable for confirming safe internal temperature—USDA recommends always using a thermometer to verify 165°F in both breast and thigh.

Should I cover my turkey with foil while cooking?

Covering the breast with foil during the first 2/3 of cooking helps prevent overcooking. Remove foil during the final hours to allow skin to brown. If skin is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil. Never cover the entire turkey for the entire cooking time as this creates steaming rather than roasting.

How long should turkey rest before carving?

Allow 20 minutes for turkeys under 12 pounds, 30-40 minutes for 12-20 pound birds, and up to 60 minutes for turkeys over 20 pounds. Resting allows juices to redistribute, resulting in moister meat. Cover loosely with foil to retain heat without creating steam that softens the skin.