No matter how often you host Thanksgiving, one big question remains the same: Exactly how much turkey do I need to make? Turkey size is important since it will determine how big of a helping each guest gets—not to mention how much will be left for Thanksgiving leftovers.
Once you know the exact number of attendees, use this formula: Number of guests x 1.25. Youll want to plan on about 1.25 pounds of turkey per person. That means if youre expecting 12 guests, plan for a 15-pound bird.
To make things simple, weve created a guide to help you pick the perfect-sized turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner menu.
As Thanksgiving approaches one of the biggest decisions facing hosts is determining the ideal turkey size to feed the crowd. You want enough meat without tons of wasted leftovers. Nailing down the right turkey weight for your guest list takes a little math but I’ve got you covered with my handy guide to picking the perfect bird.
The Basic Turkey Math
Let’s start with the general guideline Plan for around 1 – 1.5 pounds of turkey per person. If you’re getting boneless turkey breasts instead of a whole bird plan for about 8 ounces of meat per guest.
To put it in a simple formula:
- Guests x 1.5 pounds (or 8 oz for boneless) = Ideal turkey weight
So for example, if you’re having 12 people, you’d want a 18-20 pound whole turkey (12 people x 1.5 pounds per person).
This is just a general starting point though – keep reading for more specifics!
Factor In the Bones
One key point is that whole turkeys contain a lot of bones that don’t get eaten. For a precise weight, subtract around 20% from your initial calculation to account for bones.
For our 12 person example, 20% of 20 pounds is 4 pounds. So for a 12 person gathering, a 16 pound turkey would be perfect (the initial 20 pounds minus 4 pound for bones).
Add a Pound or Two for Leftovers
Since leftover turkey is half the fun, add 1-2 extra pounds to your bone-adjusted weight if you want ample leftovers.
For our group of 12, I’d recommend an 18-19 pound turkey to ensure enough for seconds and leftovers.
Small Groups = Smaller Birds
For gatherings under 8 people, the bones and cartilage make up a larger portion of a whole turkey. Stick to 1 pound per person for the most precise weight.
And consider getting just a turkey breast or two rather than a whole bird if hosting only 1-4 guests. The white meat with minimal bones simplifies calculations.
Large Groups May Need Multiple Birds
Once your guest list hits 18-20 people, one turkey may not fit the bill. At that point, consider doing two smaller birds rather than one enormous one to ensure even cooking.
Or supplement the bird with a boneless turkey breast and/or other main dish like ham or roast beef. Just apply the 1 – 1.5 pound per person rule to your total meat selection.
Pick the Right Bird Size for Your Oven
Make sure any whole turkey will actually fit in your oven! Measure oven dimensions and opt for two smaller birds if needed.
An 18-20 pound turkey is often the maximum most ovens can accommodate. Anything larger may not cook evenly.
Enjoy Your Perfectly Sized Thanksgiving Bird!
Take the guesswork out of turkey buying with these simple guidelines. Add up your guests, factor in bones, then add a pound or two for delicious leftovers.
With the ideal turkey size, you’ll enjoy a picture-perfect holiday meal without dry meat or a crowded fridge. Just don’t forget to save me a turkey sandwich!
How to Figure Out How Much Turkey Per Person
–Number of Guests – |
Turkey Weight– |
| 4 | 5lbs |
| 6 | 8lbs |
| 8 | 10lbs |
| 10 | 13lbs |
| 12 | 15lbs |
| 15 | 20lbs |
| 20 | 25lbs |
| 25 | 32lbs |
If you have a large number of kids coming, simply round down when calculating your turkey. The kids usually go for the rolls and Thanksgiving side dishes anyway—filling up their stomachs with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cheese and crackers off of a Thanksgiving charcuterie board.
What if I’m feeding a large group?
If you have a large family, try dividing your number by two, and buying two smaller birds instead of a single bigger one. This will allow them to cook faster and more evenly.
If you are serving vegetarians or vegans, make sure you have an alternative Thanksgiving main dish as well, such as roasted pumpkin lasagna or sweet potato tortellini.
If your family and friends simply dont love turkey, you could make a smaller turkey plus a different type of meat, such as a spiral ham or an orange-glazed pork loin.
What size of turkey to buy for Thanksgiving | Quick cooking tip from Mama Sue
FAQ
Is a 15 lb turkey enough for 10 people?
How many people will a 20 lb turkey feed?
|
Number of Guests
|
Turkey Weight–
|
|
12
|
15lbs
|
|
15
|
20lbs
|
|
20
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25lbs
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25
|
32lbs
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Is 12 lb turkey a good size?
What size turkey for 2 adults?
How do you calculate Turkey size?
turkey size = people × amount per person Start by multiplying the number of adults times 1 (or 1.5 if you want leftovers). Then multiply the number of children by .5. Finally, add the two numbers together. If the result is less than 12 pounds, then multiply by 1.5 since there will be a little less meat.
How much should a turkey weigh?
Obviously, while the range of weights you’ll find on turkey at the store varies, it’s rarer to find birds less than 10 pounds or over 30 lbs. For large groups of people, consider buying a couple of smaller turkeys to match the pound per person rule. So if you need to feed 60 people, buy two turkeys that are around 20 pounds each.
How do I choose the right Turkey size?
In short, choosing the right-sized turkey isn’t an exact science, and other variables—like the number of kids in attendance, and whether your group is known for taking hearty helpings—can complicate things further. Luckily, Butterball has a turkey size calculator that actually accounts for those two factors.
How much Turkey should I buy per person?
With our handy guide, you’ll know exactly how much turkey should you be buying per person and whether that 15-pound bird is big enough or a few extra pounds are needed. As a general rule when buying turkey, plan on 1 pound of turkey per person. This allows approximately 7 cooked ounces of meat per serving.