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As Thanksgiving and the holidays approach, many people are starting to think about cooking up a tasty turkey for their festive meals. But if you’re new to turkey preparation, one of the key questions is: how much does an average turkey weigh?
The weight of a turkey can vary substantially depending on factors like the breed, sex and age of the bird. In this comprehensive guide we’ll break down the typical weight ranges for different categories of turkeys so you can make an informed decision when purchasing one.
Average Weights of Different Types of Turkeys
There are a few main categories of turkeys that you’re likely to come across
Commercial Turkeys
Commercial turkeys are the most common type found in grocery stores. Through selective breeding, they have been optimized over decades to have a large amount of white breast meat. On average, commercial turkeys weigh:
- Toms (adult males): 20-24 lbs
- Hens (adult females): 10-14 lbs
Heritage Breed Turkeys
Heritage turkeys are traditional breeds that have not been so intensely bred for commercial qualities. They tend to have a more balanced meat distribution and robust flavor. Their average weights are:
- Toms: 18-22 lbs
- Hens: 10-14 lbs
Wild Turkeys
As the name suggests, wild turkeys live freely in nature rather than being domesticated. Due to their active lifestyle and natural diet, they tend to be smaller than commercial birds. Average weights are:
- Toms: 16-20 lbs
- Hens: 8-12 lbs
Key Factors That Influence Turkey Weight
Several key factors contribute to the final weight of a turkey:
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Sex: Toms grow substantially larger than hens.
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Age: Older birds will be heavier as they’ve had more time to grow. Toms max out around 5 months and hens around 4 months.
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Breed: Some breeds have been selectively bred to yield more breast meat and overall size.
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Diet: Well-fed turkeys on balanced diets grow bigger than malnourished ones.
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Living conditions: More spacious environments for exercise build muscle. Confined turkeys remain smaller.
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State of processing: A store-bought turkey may weigh 10-15 lbs less than its live weight due to parts like giblets being removed.
Estimating Turkey Weights for Your Gathering
When buying a turkey for a holiday meal or dinner party, you’ll want to think about guest numbers, appetites, and preferences to select the ideal size. Here are some general turkey weight guidelines based on the number of portions needed:
- 10-12 lbs: Feeds 6-8 people
- 12-15 lbs: Feeds 8-10 people
- 15-18 lbs: Feeds 10-12 people
- 18-22 lbs: Feeds 12-15 people
- 22-25 lbs: Feeds 15-20 people
Aim for around 1-1.5 lbs of turkey per diner as an estimate. Add extra weight if you want ample leftovers.
Make sure to match the turkey size to the holding capacity of your fridge, oven, and roasting pan as well. Allow extra defrosting time for frozen birds at a rate of approximately 24 hours per 4-5 lbs of weight.
Weighing a Turkey at Home
When you bring home a turkey from the store, it’s helpful to weigh it yourself to get the most accurate weight for cooking time calculations. Here’s how to easily weigh a turkey:
- Use a kitchen scale with at least a 20 lb capacity. Digital scales are easiest.
- Remove any wrapping, netting, or packaging first.
- Place the thawed turkey on a rimmed baking sheet or plate on the scale surface.
- Wait for the digital display to stabilize to get the weight reading.
- Note down the weight for your recipe.
- Immediately clean the scale well to avoid cross-contamination.
Now that you know the precise weight of your turkey, you can better calculate the roasting times and make your holiday meal a success.
Choosing the Right Turkey Size
With so much variation in turkey weights, selecting the proper size bird for your needs takes some consideration:
- Think about the number of guests, their appetites, and preference for white vs dark meat.
- Factor in the amount of leftovers you want for sandwiches and meals afterward.
- Make sure the size fits comfortably in your oven, fridge, and roasting pan.
- Read the label carefully if purchasing a frozen turkey to allow for thorough thawing.
Using this guide on typical turkey weights takes the guesswork out of picking the perfect turkey for your festive gathering! Whether you go for a small 10 lb hen or a 25 lb tom, understanding average turkey weights ensures your holiday meal preparation goes smoothly.
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Tis the ultimate question come the holiday season. Here, we share our suggestions for turkey size per number of guests, based on both servings with no leftovers and with leftovers taken into account.
46 MILLION turkeys are eaten each Thanksgiving
3 lbs. turkey breast (1 lb. cooked turkey)
6 to 7 lbs. turkey breast (2 lbs. cooked turkey)
5 lbs. turkey breast (1 1/2 lbs. cooked turkey)
10-lb. whole turkey (3 lbs. cooked turkey)
6 to 7 lbs. turkey breast (2 lbs. cooked turkey)
13-lb. whole turkey (4 lbs. cooked turkey)
8 lbs. turkey breast (2 1/2 lbs. cooked turkey)
16- to 17-lb. whole turkey (5 lbs. cooked turkey)
10-lb. whole turkey (3 lbs. cooked turkey)
20-lb. whole turkey (6 lbs. cooked turkey)
11- to 12-lb. whole turkey (3 1/2 lbs. cooked turkey)
Two 12-lb. whole turkeys (7 lbs. cooked turkey)
13-lb. whole turkey (4 lbs. cooked turkey)
Two 14-lb. whole turkeys (8 lbs. cooked turkey)
15-lb. whole turkey (4 1/2 lbs. cooked turkey)
Two 15-lb. whole turkeys (9 lbs. cooked turkey)
16- to 17-lb. whole turkey (5 lbs. cooked turkey)
Two 17-lb. whole turkeys (10 lbs. cooked turkey)
20-lb. whole turkey (6 lbs. cooked turkey)
Two 20-lb. whole turkeys (12 lbs. cooked turkey)
20-lb. whole turkey plus 6 to 7 lbs. turkey breast (7 1/2 lbs. cooked turkey)
Two 20-lb. whole turkeys plus 10 lbs. turkey breast (15 lbs. cooked turkey)
HOW MUCH A TURKEY WEIGH??
FAQ
How much does a full grown turkey weigh?
One of the main differences is size. Toms are grown to an average live weight of 41 pounds, while hens average 17 pounds.Dec 11, 2019
How many people will a 20-pound turkey feed?
- A 20-lb turkey can feed 12–14 people.
- A general rule of thumb is to plan for 1.5 lbs of turkey per guest.
- If you’re buying boneless meat, assume about 8 oz per guest.
- If you’re cooking for more than 16 people, you might want to consider buying a 12–14 lb bird and a breast.
- If you know most of your guests prefer white meat, you can buy separate breasts and legs, and roast them separately.
- If you’re serving a large party, you might want to consider cooking two smaller birds.
Is a 14 lb turkey big?
A huge wild turkey is upwards of 30 pounds. Domestic turkeys get bigger and fatter and can reach upwards of 60–80 pounds. Not many people need a turkey that big for thanksgiving so the larger ones get processed into deli meats or turkey burger etc. Most thanksgiving turkeys range from 12–20 pounds.
What is the average size turkey for Thanksgiving?
The general rule is to plan for 1 1/2 pounds per guest. So if you’re serving 10 people on Thanksgiving, choose a bird that is 15 to 20 pounds.Jul 7, 2023
How big do turkeys get?
Their size undergoes a fascinating metamorphosis, mirroring the changing seasons and consumer demands. During the colder months, from January to May, turkey producers focus on raising large turkeys, ideal for processing into various cuts of meat. These behemoths reach an average live weight of a whopping 41 pounds!
How much does a turkey weigh in a store?
When a turkey is slaughtered and prepared for sale, parts of the turkey are removed. This is why the live weights are so much higher than the average weight in the store. A turkey which was 41 lbs at slaughter, will be about 24 lbs. in the store. This means a turkey in the store is about 10-15 lbs. less of its live weight.
How much does a butchered turkey weigh?
On average, a butchered turkey typically weighs between 10 to 25 pounds (4.5 to 11 kg). It is essential to know the weight of a turkey before cooking it to ensure proper cooking time and temperature. Now let’s address some frequently asked questions about turkey weight. 1. What is the average weight for a turkey?
How much does a male turkey weigh?
Female turkeys typically only get up to 26 or 27 lbs when they are full-grown, while a male turkey can get all the way up to 45 lbs. If you buy a turkey in the store and it is 16 lbs. or less, it was probably a female (called a hen). If it is 17 lbs. or more, it was likely a male turkey (called a Tom).
How much does a Thanksgiving turkey weigh?
The average Thanksgiving turkey for an American family typically weighs between 12 to 24 pounds. The size can vary based on the number of people being served and individual preferences. Smaller turkeys are suitable for smaller gatherings, while larger ones are chosen for more extensive feasts. How many pounds is a full size turkey?
How much does a hen turkey weigh?
Fun Fact: Whole hen turkeys typically weight 8-16 pounds, whereas toms weigh in at 16-24 pounds. Specialty Bird? If you’re seeking out a specialty bird – such as a USDA certified organic turkey, or one raised without the use of antibiotics – you’ll find those are usually smaller.