How Much Does a Turkey Weigh? A Complete Guide to Turkey Sizes

When preparing your holiday feast, one of the most important factors is knowing how much your turkey weighs. The weight determines everything from how long to cook it to how many people it will serve. But turkeys come in a wide range of sizes, so how do you know which one to buy?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various weights of different types of turkeys. Whether you choose a commercially-raised bird from the grocery store or a heritage breed from a local farm, you’ll learn what to expect in terms of average turkey weights.

Understanding the size and weight differences will ensure you select the perfect turkey for your gathering Let’s get started!

Average Turkey Weights

The average weight of a turkey can vary substantially based on the type, breed, sex, and age of the bird. Here’s an overview of typical turkey weights

• Male (tom) turkeys range from 16 to 30 pounds with an average of 20-24 lbs.

• Female (hen) turkeys are smaller, ranging from 8 to 16 pounds and averaging 10-14 lbs.

• Female heritage breed turkeys average 10-14 lbs.

• Male heritage breed turkeys range from 18-25 lbs with an average of 20-22 lbs.

• Wild male (tom) turkeys weigh 16-20 lbs on average.

• Wild female (hen) turkeys typically weigh 8-12 lbs.

So you can see there’s quite a bit of variation! Toms tend to be much larger than hens, and commercially raised birds are bigger than heritage and wild turkeys.

Factors Affecting Turkey Weight

Several factors contribute to a turkey’s final weight:

• Age: Older turkeys will be heavier as they’ve had more time to grow. Toms reach maximum weight at 5 months and hens at 4 months.

• Breed: Some breeds are selectively bred to be larger with more breast meat (like commercial Broad Breasted Whites).

• Diet: Well-fed turkeys with balanced nutrition will be heavier.

• Living conditions: Access to space to move and exercise builds more muscle mass.

• Sex: As outlined above, male turkeys are substantially heavier than females of the same breed and age.

Buying a Turkey by Weight

When purchasing a turkey, keep these guidelines around weight and serving sizes in mind:

• 10-12 lb turkey: Feeds 6-8 people
• 12-15 lb turkey: Feeds 8-10 people
• 15-18 lb turkey: Feeds 10-12 people
• 18-22 lb turkey: Feeds 12-15 people
• 22-25 lb turkey: Feeds 15-20 people

For precise calculations, estimate 1-1.5 lbs of turkey per person. Then add 2-3 lbs if you want ample leftovers. A 15 lb turkey will feed around 10 people with a bit extra.

Match the weight to your oven size, roasting pan, and refrigerator space if storing for days after. Defrost frozen turkeys 1 day per 4-5 lbs.

Weighing Your Turkey at Home

Once you’ve selected your turkey, it’s easy to weigh it yourself at home with a kitchen scale:

1. Choose a scale that can handle over 20 lbs.

2. Remove any wrapping, netting, or packaging.

3. Place the thawed turkey on a plate or pan on the scale.

4. Note the weight which will be needed for timing calculations.

5. Clean the scale immediately to avoid cross-contamination.

Now you have the precise weight, which along with the cooking time per pound, will determine the full roasting time.

Picking the Right Size Turkey

As you can see, turkeys vary widely in size. The breed, sex, and source impact the weight. Here are some final tips for choosing the ideal turkey:

• Base it on the number of guests and their appetites.

• Consider white vs. dark meat preferences.

• Account for desired leftovers.

• Make sure the size accommodates your oven and pans.

• Allow time to thaw and cook a frozen bird.

Following this guide on typical turkey weights takes the guesswork out of picking the perfect turkey for your holiday table!