Turkey size by number of people
These sizes are for a whole, bone-in turkey and follow the NFU's size guide, rounded to the nearest half kilo. Count each child as half a portion.
| People | Turkey size | Roughly cooks for |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 4 | 3 kg | 2 hrs 35 min |
| 6 | 4.5 kg | 3 hrs 45 min |
| 8 | 5.5 kg | 3 hrs 45 min |
| 10 | 6 kg | 4 hrs |
| 12 | 7 kg | 4 hrs 20 min |
| 14 | 7.5 kg | 4 hrs 25 min |
| 16 | 8 kg | 4 hrs 40 min |
| 18 | 9 kg | 5 hrs 15 min |
| 20 | 9.5 kg | 5 hrs 35 min |
Want it worked out for your exact numbers, appetites and dinner time? Use the planner
How long to cook a turkey
Food Standards Scotland's guide for an unstuffed turkey in an oven at 180°C (gas mark 4), or see how long to cook a turkey for a time for every size:
- Under 4.5 kg: 45 minutes per kg, plus 20 minutes
- 4.5 kg to 6.5 kg: 40 minutes per kg
- Over 6.5 kg: 35 minutes per kg
Where those bands meet, a slightly bigger bird can work out shorter than a smaller one. The times in our table never go down as the turkey gets bigger, so a few sizes get a little extra time. Fan ovens can cook faster, and a full oven can be slower.
How to tell it's cooked
- The thickest part, between the breast and thigh, reaches 75°C on a food thermometer
- It's steaming hot all the way through, with no pink meat
- The juices run clear when you pierce the thigh
Cook stuffing in a separate tin, as stuffing inside the bird slows down cooking.
Defrosting a frozen turkey
Defrost it in the fridge, allowing 10 to 12 hours per kg. A 5 kg turkey needs around two and a half days, so move it to the fridge four days before Christmas (by 21 December) to be safe. See how long to defrost a turkey for every size. Don't wash the turkey before cooking.
Small group?
For two or three people, a whole turkey is a lot of leftovers. A turkey crown or breast joint is easier; follow the cooking instructions on the pack.
Sources: Food Standards Scotland turkey cooking guide · NFU: choosing the right bird