1 pound per person, says USDA (1¼ pounds for a frozen pre-stuffed turkey). Want leftovers? Plan on more; we use 1½ pounds.
| Guests | Dinner only (USDA, 1 lb each) | With leftovers (ours, 1½ lb each) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 people | 4 lb | 6 lb |
| 6 people | 6 lb | 9 lb |
| 8 people | 8 lb | 12 lb |
| 10 people | 10 lb | 15 lb |
| 12 people | 12 lb | 18 lb |
| 14 people | 14 lb | 21 lb |
| 16 people | 16 lb | 24 lb |
| 20 people | 20 lb | 30 lb |
Over about 20 people? Two smaller turkeys cook faster than one huge one, and USDA’s cooking chart stops at 24 pounds.
Bought it? Next: when it goes into the fridge and how long it cooks, or the whole plan in the turkey calculator.
Let guests bring the sides: a free Thanksgiving potluck sign-up sheet keeps the menu from turning into five pies and no rolls.
USDA says 1 pound per person for a whole turkey, fresh or frozen, and 1¼ pounds per person for a frozen pre-stuffed turkey.
About a 10-pound turkey by USDA's 1 pound a person. For leftovers, about 15 pounds (our 1½ pounds a person).
About 20 pounds by USDA's figure, or two smaller turkeys, which cook faster and fit more ovens. For leftovers, about 30 pounds in total.
For a small group, yes. USDA's chart has turkey breasts from 4 to 8 pounds at 1½ to 3¼ hours unstuffed at 325 °F.
Times and temperatures: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, Let’s Talk Turkey: A Consumer Guide to Safely Roasting a Turkey. USDA’s times are approximate; the thermometer decides. Questions on the day: USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline, 1-888-674-6854.