How long to cook a turkey at 325 F
USDA says set the oven no lower than 325 F and cook a whole turkey to 165 F in the thigh, wing, and thickest part of the breast. The published timetable is approximate. A partly frozen bird, a crowded oven, a foil tent, or a dark pan can change the clock. Trust the thermometer.
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Start with a fully thawed bird on the thaw calculator. After dinner, use the leftover turkey window or the leftovers tool.
At a glance
| Unstuffed size at 325 F | Approximate hours |
|---|---|
| 8 to 12 lb whole | 2 3/4 to 3 hours |
| 12 to 14 lb whole | 3 to 3 3/4 hours |
| 14 to 18 lb whole | 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours |
| 18 to 20 lb whole | 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours |
| 20 to 24 lb whole | 4 1/2 to 5 hours |
USDA says set the oven no lower than 325 F and cook a whole turkey to 165 F in the thigh, wing, and thickest part of the breast. The timetable below is approximate. Many things change the clock: a partly frozen bird, a crowded oven, a foil tent, or a dark pan.
Roast-time lookup
Unstuffed, 325 F, approximate hours
| Size | Time |
|---|---|
| 4 to 6 lb breast | 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 hours |
| 6 to 8 lb breast | 2 1/4 to 3 1/4 hours |
| 8 to 12 lb whole | 2 3/4 to 3 hours |
| 12 to 14 lb whole | 3 to 3 3/4 hours |
| 14 to 18 lb whole | 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours |
| 18 to 20 lb whole | 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours |
| 20 to 24 lb whole | 4 1/2 to 5 hours |
Stuffed whole turkey, 325 F, approximate hours
| Size | Time |
|---|---|
| 8 to 12 pounds | 3 to 3 1/2 hours |
| 12 to 14 pounds | 3 1/2 to 4 hours |
| 14 to 18 pounds | 4 to 4 1/4 hours |
| 18 to 20 pounds | 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours |
USDA also notes it is safe to roast a turkey from the frozen state; plan at least 50 percent more time than the thawed timetable. Check the official page before you try it.
Sources
Common questions
What internal temperature is a turkey done?
USDA says 165 F in the thigh, the wing, and the thickest part of the breast. Time tables are only a starting point.
How long does an unstuffed 16-pound turkey take at 325 F?
USDA’s approximate unstuffed table lists 14 to 18 pounds at 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours, and 18 to 20 pounds at 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours. Check 165 F in the usual three places.
Does a stuffed turkey take longer?
Yes. USDA publishes a longer approximate table for stuffed whole turkeys. Stuffing must also reach a safe temperature; follow the official cooking page.
Can you roast a turkey from frozen?
USDA notes it is safe to roast a turkey from the frozen state and to plan at least 50 percent more time than the thawed timetable. Read the official page before you try it.