Food quantities · Your kitchen companion
Turkey size calculator
Estimate the whole turkey weight to buy for your guests, with or without leftovers.
A little help in the kitchen
How to use it
Enter how many people will eat turkey. Use a whole number from 1 to 1000.
Choose Yes if you want leftovers, or No for the base per-person allowance.
Choose Calculate turkey size. Read the estimated total weight in pounds and kilograms and the allowance used.
Choose an available whole turkey at or above the calculated amount. The buying amount in kilograms is rounded up. Check oven and roasting-pan space, then save, share or print your card.
How it works
Whole turkey weight in pounds = guests × pounds per person. The No setting uses 1 lb per person, matching the specification and USDA FSIS's buying guide for fresh or frozen turkeys.
The Yes setting uses 1.5 lb per person from the University of California Cooperative Extension's whole-turkey guide on page 2. This additional source supplies the leftovers allowance; USDA FSIS's guide does not give a separate leftovers amount. Its 1.25 lb recommendation for frozen pre-stuffed turkey is a different product and is not used here.
Kilograms = pounds × 0.45359237. We keep the calculated value before rounding and show kilograms to one decimal place. The separate kilogram buying amount rounds up to the next 0.1 kg so it stays at or above the calculated estimate.
These are estimates for the purchase weight of whole turkeys, including bones. They do not describe the amount of cooked meat on a plate or apply to boneless turkey breast. Appetites, side dishes and the sizes available can affect your choice. For a large group, the total can be divided across more than one whole turkey.
Frequently asked questions
How much whole turkey should I buy per person?
The base setting uses 1 lb per guest, supported by USDA FSIS's guide for fresh or frozen turkeys. Multiply by the number of people who will eat turkey.
How much extra does the leftovers option add?
Yes uses 1.5 lb per guest from the University of California Cooperative Extension's guide. For 8 guests, that gives 12 lb, shown as about 5.4 kg. The allowance is an estimate and does not promise a specific number of leftover meals.
Does this work for turkey breast or cooked meat?
These allowances are for whole turkeys, including their bones. Boneless breast, partial turkeys and cooked-meat portions need different allowances. Use guidance for the product you are buying.
Why is the kilogram buying amount slightly higher?
The main kilogram estimate is rounded to one decimal place and may round down. The buying amount rounds up to the next 0.1 kg. For 8 lb, the estimate is about 3.6 kg, while the buying amount is 3.7 kg.
How should I count children or people who will not eat turkey?
Count the people who will eat turkey. This simple tool uses one allowance for every counted guest and has no separate child portion. Consider appetites and the rest of your menu when choosing an available bird.
Can I save, share or print my turkey size card?
After calculating, save the settings in this browser or share a link containing them. Save as PDF includes your inputs, size estimate, buying note and general disclaimer, without a generated timestamp. Delete my data clears saved settings and preferences.
