What size turkey do you need

For a turkey dinner the question is always the same: how many kilograms should you buy? With the bones and carcass, a good part of the weight never reaches the plate. This calculator starts from the number of adults and children, uses an amount per portion for a whole bird, adds a margin if you want leftovers and also tells you how many days it takes to thaw in the fridge.

How the calculation works

• Portions: each adult counts as one portion, each child as half.
• Weight: portions × grams of whole turkey per portion, plus any extra for leftovers.
• Thawing: in the fridge it takes about 24 hours per 2 kg, in line with US Department of Agriculture guidance (24 hours per 4-5 pounds).

Common guidance ranges from about 450 to 700 g of whole turkey per person (1 to 1.5 pounds): the lower figure is enough with plenty of sides, the higher one leaves some leftovers.

Weight by number of guests

At 700 g per portion, no extra:

How much the portion matters

For 8 adults:

If you want leftovers for the following days, add 20-50% extra or raise the grams per portion.

The reading bands

• Under 4 kg: a small turkey; if you cannot find one, consider a turkey breast or a large chicken.
• 4 to 7 kg: a medium size, easy to find and cook.
• 7 to 10 kg: a large turkey, check it fits your oven and tin.
• 10 kg and above: consider two smaller birds, which cook more evenly.

Food safety tips

• Thaw the turkey in the fridge, not at room temperature.
• Cook it until the thickest part of the thigh and breast reaches at least 74 °C (165 °F), measured with a food thermometer.
• Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking.

To work out thawing times precisely, including in cold water, use the turkey thawing calculator.

Limits of the calculator

Portions depend on appetite, guests' ages and the rest of the menu. The calculator applies to a whole bone-in turkey: a boneless breast or turkey roast needs fewer grams per person. Fridge thawing times are indicative and depend on the fridge temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How much turkey per person?

Often 450 to 700 g of whole bone-in turkey per person (1 to 1.5 lb); more if you want leftovers.

What size turkey for 8 people?

At 700 g per person, about 5.6 kg; at 500 g per person, about 4 kg.

How do I count children?

As half a portion each, a simple and common rule.

How long does it take to thaw in the fridge?

About 24 hours per 2 kg: a 6 kg turkey needs about 3 days.

Can I thaw a turkey at room temperature?

No: thaw it in the fridge or in cold water changed often, never on the counter.

What temperature is a cooked turkey?

When the thickest part of the thigh and breast reaches at least 74 °C (165 °F), measured with a thermometer.

One big turkey or two small ones?

Above 10 kg, two smaller birds often cook more evenly and fit the oven better.

What if I only use turkey breast?

A boneless breast has little waste: fewer grams per person are enough, often 250-350 g.

How much extra for leftovers?

20-50% more is usually enough for a leftover meal in the following days.