Turkey Cooking Time Calculator
Type your turkey's weight and what time you want to eat. The calculator uses the official guidance for your country to tell you how long to defrost it, which day to move it to the fridge, how long to roast it, and exactly when it needs to go in the oven.
How it works
- US: USDA roasting timetable for an unstuffed turkey at 325°F; thaw about 24 hours per 4–5 lb.
- Canada: Health Canada thawing (24 hours per 2.5 kg / 5 lb) and an extra safety buffer for its 82°C (180°F) whole-bird target.
- UK: 20 minutes per kg plus 70 minutes (under 4 kg) or 90 minutes (4 kg and over) at 190°C / 170°C fan; defrost 10–12 hours per kg.
- Australia: 40–45 minutes per kg at 180°C (160°C fan-forced); thaw about 24 hours per 2 kg.
Times follow each country's official guidance (USDA, Health Canada, Food Standards Agency, Food Safety Information Council). Ovens vary: always check with a thermometer.
Plan the whole Christmas dinner, not just the turkeyThe planner adds an oven plan for every dish, a Christmas Day timeline, menu and shopping list.
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Questions
How long does a turkey take to defrost?
In the fridge, about 24 hours per 4–5 lb in the US, 24 hours per 2.5 kg in Canada, and 10–12 hours per kg in the UK.
What time should the turkey go in the oven?
Work back from your meal time: subtract the roasting time and about 30 minutes of resting. The calculator does this for you.
How do I know the turkey is cooked?
Use a thermometer: 165°F (US), 82°C / 180°F for whole birds (Canada), 70°C for 2 minutes (UK) or 75°C (Australia).