Turkey thaw and roast calculator
Short answer: Thaw a turkey in the fridge for 24 hours per 4–5 lb, so a 16 lb turkey needs about 4 days. For Thanksgiving 2026 (November 26), move a 16 lb turkey to the fridge by Sunday, November 22. Roast at 325°F until it reads 165°F.
Turkey thawing times
In the fridge, allow 24 hours for every 4–5 lb. In cold water, allow 30 minutes per lb, change the water every 30 minutes and cook the turkey as soon as it's thawed. A turkey thawed in the fridge can stay there another 1–2 days before cooking.
| Weight | In the fridge | In cold water |
|---|---|---|
| 4–12 lb | 1–3 days | 2–6 hours |
| 12–16 lb | 3–4 days | 6–8 hours |
| 16–20 lb | 4–5 days | 8–10 hours |
| 20–24 lb | 5–6 days | 10–12 hours |
Turkey roasting times at 325°F
| Weight | Unstuffed | Stuffed |
|---|---|---|
| 4–8 lb (breast) | 1½–3¼ hours | — |
| 6–8 lb (breast) | — | 2½–3½ hours |
| 8–12 lb | 2¾–3 hours | 3–3½ hours |
| 12–14 lb | 3–3¾ hours | 3½–4 hours |
| 14–18 lb | 3¾–4¼ hours | 4–4¼ hours |
| 18–20 lb | 4¼–4½ hours | 4¼–4¾ hours |
| 20–24 lb | 4½–5 hours | 4¾–5¼ hours |
These times are approximate. The turkey is done when a food thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and the innermost part of the thigh and wing. If it's stuffed, the center of the stuffing must also reach 165°F.
After dinner
Get the leftovers into the fridge within 2 hours. They keep 3–4 days, or 3–4 months frozen. See how long Thanksgiving leftovers last.
Common questions
When should I take my turkey out of the freezer for Thanksgiving?
Allow 1 day in the fridge for every 4–5 lb. For Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26, 2026, a 16 lb turkey should go into the fridge by Sunday, November 22.
How long does a 20 lb turkey take to thaw?
About 5 days in the fridge, or about 10 hours in cold water.
Can I thaw a turkey on the counter?
No. The outside reaches the Danger Zone (above 40°F) long before the inside thaws. Thaw it in the fridge, in cold water or in the microwave.
Can I cook a turkey from frozen?
Yes. It takes at least 50% longer than a thawed turkey. Remove the giblets once you can, and check that it reaches 165°F.
How long do I cook a 16 lb turkey?
About 3¾–4¼ hours at 325°F unstuffed, or 4–4¼ hours stuffed. Go by the thermometer: 165°F.
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How long food lasts
Source: USDA Let's Talk Turkey guide. Updated 2026-10-13. General information, not medical advice. When in doubt, throw it out.