Turkey Thaw and Roast Timeline
Tell us the size of your turkey and when you want to eat. You get a dated schedule from thawing to carving that you can print.
Your Timeline
Fill in the form and choose Build My Turkey Timeline.
How This Tool Works
- Refrigerator thawing takes about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. Cold water thawing takes about 30 minutes per pound, with the water changed every 30 minutes.
- Roasting times are the USDA estimates for a turkey roasted at 325 F. The schedule uses the longer end of the range, then adds a 30 minute rest.
- A turkey is safe when the thigh, wing and breast each reach 165 F on a food thermometer.
Sources: USDA FSIS: Turkey Basics, Safe Cooking, USDA FSIS: Let's Talk Turkey, Thawing