How long to thaw a turkey, by weight
USDA lists three safe methods: the refrigerator, cold water, and the microwave. A refrigerator at 40 F or below takes about 24 hours for each 4 to 5 pounds. Cold water takes about 30 minutes per pound, with the water changed every 30 minutes, and the turkey must be cooked immediately after.
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After the thaw, use the 325 F roast-time table. Leftovers follow the leftover turkey window or the main leftovers calculator.
At a glance
| Whole turkey | Refrigerator time |
|---|---|
| 4 to 12 pounds | 1 to 3 days |
| 12 to 16 pounds | 3 to 4 days |
| 16 to 20 pounds | 4 to 5 days |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 5 to 6 days |
USDA lists three safe methods: the refrigerator, cold water, and the microwave. This tool covers the first two, which have published times. Microwave thawing must follow your oven manual, and the turkey must be cooked immediately after.
Thaw calculator
Official refrigerator table
From USDA, for a refrigerator set at 40 F or below. Place the turkey in a container so juices cannot drip on other food. A thawed turkey can stay in the refrigerator 1 or 2 days before cooking.
| Whole turkey | Refrigerator time |
|---|---|
| 4 to 12 pounds | 1 to 3 days |
| 12 to 16 pounds | 3 to 4 days |
| 16 to 20 pounds | 4 to 5 days |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 5 to 6 days |
Official cold-water table
Allow about 30 minutes per pound. Use a leak-proof bag, submerge in cold tap water, and change the water every 30 minutes. Cook immediately after thawing.
| Whole turkey | Cold-water time |
|---|---|
| 4 to 12 pounds | 2 to 6 hours |
| 12 to 16 pounds | 6 to 8 hours |
| 16 to 20 pounds | 8 to 10 hours |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 10 to 12 hours |
When to get help
If the turkey still has ice in the cavity on the morning you planned to roast, give it more thaw time or use the cold-water method. If you are not sure it stayed at a safe temperature, do not guess. Replace the bird or call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline listed on the official thawing page.
Sources
Common questions
How many days does a 16-pound turkey need in the fridge?
USDA’s refrigerator table lists 16 to 20 pounds at 4 to 5 days, in a refrigerator set at 40 F or below.
How long does a cold-water thaw take?
Allow about 30 minutes per pound. A 16 to 20 pound bird is listed at 8 to 10 hours. Change the water every 30 minutes and cook immediately after thawing.
Can you thaw a turkey on the counter?
USDA’s safe methods are the refrigerator, cold water, and the microwave. Counter thawing is not one of those methods.
Can a thawed turkey wait in the refrigerator before cooking?
Yes. USDA says a turkey thawed in the refrigerator can stay there 1 or 2 days before cooking.
What if the turkey is still icy on the morning you planned to roast?
Give it more thaw time or switch to the cold-water method. If you are not sure it stayed at a safe temperature, do not guess; replace the bird or use the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline listed on the official thawing page.