How Much Does An Average Turkey Weigh? A Complete Guide to Turkey Sizes

The holidays are fast approaching, which means it’s time to start planning that big turkey dinner. But how much does an average turkey actually weigh? This is an important question when figuring out how big of a bird you need to feed your family or guests. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about typical turkey sizes.

The Many Factors That Affect Turkey Weight

Turkeys can vary quite a bit in size due to a number of factors. These include:

• Sex – Toms (males) are larger than hens (females),

• Age – Older turkeys are larger than younger ones.

• Type – Heritage wild and commercial turkeys have different average weights.

• Diet – Well-fed turkeys grow larger.

• Health – Disease can stunt growth.

• Genetics – Some breeds are naturally larger.

So when someone asks “how much does a turkey weigh?” there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But we can look at some general averages for common turkey types.

Average Weights of Different Turkey Varieties

Let’s start by looking at averages for the three main turkey types:

Commercial Turkeys

Commercial turkeys are the most common superstore variety. Through selective breeding, they grow quite large for more meat.

• Toms: 20-30 lbs

• Hens: 10-16 lbs

The average tom weighs around 24 lbs while hens average about 12 lbs.

Heritage Turkeys

Heritage turkeys are bred from old-fashioned turkey lines. They have a more balanced body shape and rich flavor.

• Toms: 18-25 lbs

• Hens: 8-14 lbs

On average, heritage toms hit 22 lbs and hens hit about 12 lbs.

Wild Turkeys

Wild turkeys are leaner and more muscular with a distinct gamier taste. Due to their active lifestyle, they tend to be on the smaller side.

• Toms: 16-20 lbs

• Hens: 8-12 lbs

The typical wild tom is around 18 lbs compared to 10 lbs for hens.

As you can see, toms run significantly larger than hens. But there’s still quite a range within each category. Next let’s look at how age impacts weight.

Turkey Weights and Age

Age is another key factor. Like humans, turkeys grow rapidly as juveniles then fill out more as adults.

Juvenile Weight Range

• Young toms: 8-18 lbs

• Young hens: 4-10 lbs

Juvenile birds are usually harvested between 4-6 months. At this age, young toms average around 13 lbs compared to 7 lbs for hens.

Adult Weight Range

• Adult toms: 16-30 lbs

• Adult hens: 8-16 lbs

Turkeys are considered fully mature adults after about 7-8 months. An adult tom averages around 24 lbs while a hen averages 12 lbs.

So you can see how much size is gained from juvenile to adult. When estimating weight, you have to factor in not just sex and type but also the bird’s age.

What Size Turkey Do You Need?

The main reason we care about turkey weights is to buy one that’s the perfect size for our gathering. Here are some general turkey size guidelines based on the number of guests:

• 8-10 lbs: Feeds 4-6 people

• 10-15 lbs: Feeds 6-8 people

• 16-20 lbs: Feeds 8-12 people

• 20-24 lbs: Feeds 12-15 people

These serving estimates are based on about 1 lb of turkey per person. For big eaters you might want to go slightly larger. It’s also smart to buy a size up if you want ample leftovers.

Pro Tips for Picking the Right Bird

When turkey shopping, keep these extra tips in mind:

• Account for stuffing/dressing if using a whole turkey

• Make sure your oven/roaster can fit the size you buy

• Allow 1 day thawing for every 4-5 lbs (frozen)

• Opt for fresh if cooking within 2 days of purchase

• Supplement with extra breasts if you need more white meat

• Factor in any appetizers, sides, and desserts being served

Weighing Your Turkey at Home

If you want to confirm the exact weight, you can easily do this at home with a kitchen scale:

1. Place a large plate or baking sheet on a scale and hit zero

2. Remove packaging and set turkey on the plate

3. Wait for the weight reading to stabilize

4. Note the weight for your recipe notes

5. Clean the scale after use to avoid cross-contamination

And that’s it – you’ve officially weighed your turkey! Now you can proceed with your recipe knowing exactly how big your bird is.

The Takeaway on Turkey Weights

When it comes to how much a turkey weighs, there’s no fixed answer. Turkey sizes vary based on sex, age, type, diet, and other factors. On average, a typical tom turkey will weigh 16-30 lbs compared to 8-16 lbs for hens. Younger birds skew towards the lower end of the ranges. For holiday dinners, plan on about 1 lb of turkey per guest. And don’t forget the extra pro tips when buying your bird. Follow this guide and you’ll be sure to pick the perfect size turkey for a delicious and memorable meal!