Not sure how much turkey to make per person this holiday season? This handy rule will make your Thanksgiving planning so much easier.
No matter how often you host Thanksgiving, one big question remains the same: Exactly how much turkey do I need to make per person? The turkey’s size determines how big of a helping each guest receives—not to mention how much will remain for leftover turkey recipes.
If you want to ensure your Thanksgiving turkey recipe will prepare enough turkey for every guest, plan on 1-1/4 pounds of turkey per person. Once you know the exact number of attendees, use this formula: Number of guests x 1.25, then round up to the nearest whole number. So, if you’re expecting 12 guests, plan for a 15-pound bird.
To simplify things, we’ve created a guide to help you pick the perfect-sized turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner menu.
Wondering how big of a turkey you need to feed your Thanksgiving guests? Choosing the right turkey size is important to ensure you have enough meat without too many leftovers Follow this guide on factors to consider and turkey sizes per person to pick the perfect bird,
Key Factors That Determine Turkey Size
Several key aspects determine what size turkey you should buy:
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Number of Guests: The number of people eating is the biggest factor. Make an accurate headcount before shopping. More guests need a larger turkey.
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Leftovers Do you want leftovers? Plan for 1-15 pounds per person if you do Get 1 pound per person just for the meal.
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Big Eaters Guests with hearty appetites need more turkey per person Scale up if your group tends to have second helpings
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Kids: Adjust for children who will eat smaller portions. Reduce turkey size with lots of young guests.
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Other Dishes: Adding a ham or other entree? You may need less turkey with a second main dish.
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Appetizers: Lots of appetizers means guests may eat less turkey. Consider apps when deciding size.
These key aspects will narrow down the ideal turkey weight for your group’s appetites and preferences.
Turkey Serving Size Per Person
Use this turkey size per person guide to pick a weight based on your adult guest count:
- 2 to 4 people = 3 to 6 pound turkey
- 6 to 8 people = 9 to 12 pound turkey
- 10 to 12 people = 15 to 18 pound turkey
- 14 to 16 people = 21 to 24 pound turkey
- 18 to 20 people = 27 to 30 pound turkey
- 22 to 24 people = 33 to 36 pound turkey
For kids, estimate about 1 pound or less per child depending on age and appetite. Add 3 pounds if you want ample leftovers.
Whole Turkey vs Just Breasts
Whole turkeys are classic with bones for stock. Bone-in breasts work for smaller groups.
Whole Turkey Pros:
- Lower cost per pound than just breasts
- Can use bones and neck to make stock
- More traditional presentation
- Provides both white and dark meat
Turkey Breast Pros:
- Cooks evenly since breasts are quicker
- Less waste for smaller groups
- Thaws faster than a whole turkey
- Lower cost for few guests
No matter your choice, plan for 1-1.5 pounds per adult before cooking.
Fresh vs Frozen Turkey
Both fresh and frozen have advantages:
Fresh Turkey Benefits:
- No thawing time needed
- Purchase closer to when required
- Perceived as more natural
Frozen Turkey Benefits:
- Typically lower cost than fresh
- Buy well in advance when selection best
- Longer shelf life than fresh
Properly store both. Fridge store fresh 1-2 days max. Frozen keep at 0°F or below.
Thawing takes 24 hours per 4-5 pounds for fridge method. Cold water thaws 30 minutes per pound but requires cooking immediately after.
How Big of a Turkey Should You Buy?
Use this guide to pick the ideal turkey weight:
- 4 to 8 adults = 8 to 15 pound turkey
- 10 to 16 adults = 15 to 22 pound turkey
- 16 to 22 adults = 22 to 28 pound turkey
Add 3 pounds for leftovers. Adjust up for big eaters, down for extra kids. Subtract a few pounds if you’ll have other main dishes.
Stick within the recommended size for your number of guests. Better to have a little leftover than too much wasted turkey.
Alternatives to Large Whole Turkeys
For small groups, skip the massive bird. Consider these options instead:
- Cook just a turkey breast or legs
- Make turkey cutlets, schnitzel or meatballs
- Fry or grill turkey tenderloins
- Roast a small chicken or game hens
- Cook ham, lamb, or beef tenderloin
Let your guest list guide you. Choose the right turkey size or alternative to suit your group. With smart planning, you’ll serve the perfect portion of turkey for Thanksgiving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m feeding a large group?
For a large group, buy two smaller birds instead of one large turkey. They’ll cook faster and more evenly.
If you have vegetarians, also make a non-turkey main dish like roasted veggie lasagna.
If your family doesn’t love turkey, make a smaller bird plus a different meat like ham or pork loin.
How much turkey per person should I make?
Plan on about 1 to 1.5 pounds of turkey meat per person. This equals around 0.5 pounds of edible cooked turkey once bones are removed.
For kids, reduce to around 1 pound per child depending on age and appetite.
What size turkey should I buy?
The best turkeys are 10 to 15 pounds. Over 15 pounds, turkeys take longer to cook and are prone to drying out. For 4 to 8 adults, an 8 to 12 pound turkey is ideal.
How much turkey do I need for 10 people?
For 10 people, plan for a 13 pound whole turkey. This provides around 1.25 pounds of turkey per person.
Remove bones and cartilage, and you’ll get approximately 0.5 pounds of meat per person. Add a couple extra pounds if you want leftovers.
How much turkey breast should I buy?
Allow 1 to 1.5 pounds of bone-in turkey breast per person. A 3 pound half breast feeds 2 to 4. A 6 to 7 pound whole breast feeds 6 to 8.
Since it’s mostly meat, turkey breast approximates 0.5 pounds edible meat per person before bones.
What if I’m only cooking turkey breast?
For boneless, skinless turkey breast, allow 1 pound per person. With bone-in breast, plan for 1 to 1.5 pounds per guest to allow for bones.
Cook smaller single breasts for fewer people. Roast two breasts together for more guests.
Should I buy fresh or frozen turkey?
Both fresh and frozen turkeys work well. Frozen costs less but requires thawing. Fresh skips thawing but costs more.
With either, follow proper storage. And thaw frozen turkeys in the fridge or cold water before cooking.
How long does it take to thaw a turkey?
Thawing takes 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds in the fridge. Faster cold water thawing gives 30 minutes per pound but requires cooking immediately after.
Plan ahead so your turkey has time to fully thaw before cooking. Refer to the package for the total weight and thawing time needed.
The Takeaway
Determining the best turkey size ensures you have enough meat without wasting food. Think about guest count, appetites, leftovers, and any other main dishes. Follow the recommended serving guidelines for your number of diners. With smart planning, you’ll serve the perfect turkey for Thanksgiving feasting and memories.
More Thanksgiving Dinner Tips
We have a whole guide of tips for buying turkey because there’s a lot to consider! Here are a few top-level tips:
- Decide if you want to brine the turkey: If you plan to brine a turkey at home, make sure the bird is not labeled as kosher, enhanced or self-basting. These labels indicate that the turkey has already been brined.
- Consider the turkey’s size: After calculating the turkey’s size based on the number of people you’re serving, determine what size roasting pan you’ll need—and double-check that the bird will fit into the one you have at home.
- Look for a well-rounded bird: When shopping for a turkey, look for a bird with a well-rounded shape. The breast should be especially rounded, which indicates that the meat will be especially juicy. Avoid turkeys with flat spots, a sign that the bird may have been thawed and refrozen.
How Much Turkey Per Person for Thanksgiving
–Number of Guests – |
Turkey Weight– |
| 4 | 5 lbs |
| 6 | 8 lbs |
| 8 | 10 lbs |
| 10 | 13 lbs |
| 12 | 15 lbs |
| 15 | 20 lbs |
| 20 | 25 lbs |
| 25 | 32 lbs |
You can use this handy chart to determine the perfect size turkey for your Thanksgiving celebration. Preparing 1-1/4 pounds of turkey per person may seem like a lot, but remember that this weight includes parts that you won’t eat (like the bones).
If your guest count includes a lot of kids, simply round down when calculating how much turkey to make per person. The kids may not eat as much turkey and go for the rolls and Thanksgiving sides instead, filling their stomachs with creamy mashed potatoes and cheese and crackers from a Thanksgiving charcuterie board.