Turkey Per Person Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate the right size turkey to buy for your gathering, based on the number of guests and leftovers you want.
How Much Turkey Do You Really Need?
Planning a holiday meal or festive gathering? One of the most common questions hosts face is: “How big should the turkey be?” Buying too small risks leaving guests hungry. Buying too big might lead to waste—or an overwhelming amount of leftovers. This calculator takes the guesswork out of planning and helps you estimate the ideal turkey size based on the number of guests, their age group, and whether you want leftovers.
On average, guests consume between 1 and 1.5 pounds of turkey per person. But that estimate can vary depending on who’s attending, what else you’re serving, and how much turkey meat you expect per pound (not all of it is edible meat!).
Standard Turkey Serving Guidelines
- Adults: 1.25–1.5 pounds per person
- Children: 0.5–0.75 pounds per child
- Mixed group (adults + kids): Estimate around 1.25 pounds per person
- With leftovers desired: Add 0.5 pounds per person
These estimates account for the fact that much of a whole turkey’s weight is bone, skin, and moisture. On average, only about 50–60% of a whole turkey is edible meat.
Turkey Size by Guest Count (Quick Reference)
| Number of Guests | Turkey Size (No Leftovers) | Turkey Size (With Leftovers) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5–6 lbs | 7–8 lbs |
| 6 | 7–9 lbs | 9–11 lbs |
| 8 | 10–12 lbs | 12–14 lbs |
| 10 | 12–15 lbs | 15–17 lbs |
| 12 | 14–18 lbs | 17–20 lbs |
| 15+ | 18–22+ lbs | 20–25+ lbs |
Tips for Choosing the Right Bird
- Buy fresh early: If purchasing a fresh turkey, order 3–5 days ahead to ensure availability and time for prep.
- For large groups: Consider cooking two smaller turkeys instead of one very large bird. They cook faster and more evenly.
- Bone-in breasts or turkey parts: If your group prefers white meat, consider boneless or bone-in turkey breasts. Adjust serving estimates: 0.75 lbs per person for boneless breast; 1 lb for bone-in.
- Buy extra for big eaters: If your guests are known to go back for seconds, go higher in the range or add +1–2 pounds buffer.
Planning for Leftovers
If you're a fan of turkey sandwiches, soups, or casseroles, you’ll want to account for leftovers. Adding an extra 0.5 pounds per person typically gives you enough extra meat for at least one additional meal per guest.
Here’s what you can make with leftover turkey:
- Turkey sandwiches (classic or grilled)
- Turkey noodle or wild rice soup
- Turkey pot pie or shepherd’s pie
- Turkey and cranberry sliders
- Turkey quesadillas or tacos
Common Turkey Planning Mistakes
- Underestimating bone weight: Remember that about 40–50% of a whole turkey's weight is bone and other non-meat parts.
- Forgetting kids eat less: If you're hosting many children, adjust accordingly to avoid overbuying.
- Ignoring side dishes: If you're serving a buffet of hearty sides (stuffing, potatoes, casseroles), you may not need as much turkey.
- Choosing a turkey that's too big for your oven: Always check internal oven space and roasting pan size before buying a very large bird.
Cooking Time Estimates (For Whole Turkey)
As a general rule, roast at 325°F:
- Unstuffed: 15 minutes per pound
- Stuffed: 16–17 minutes per pound
- Always cook to internal temp of 165°F (breast) and 175°F (thigh)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I’m serving a lot of side dishes?
A: You can reduce the amount of turkey slightly. In heavily catered meals with plenty of sides and desserts, 1 to 1.25 lbs per person is usually sufficient—even with leftovers.
Q: Can I substitute turkey breast for a whole turkey?
A: Yes. Turkey breasts are great for smaller gatherings. Use 0.75–1 lb per person for boneless breast and 1–1.25 lbs for bone-in breast.
Q: Is it better to buy one big turkey or two smaller ones?
A: Two smaller turkeys cook more evenly and faster. They also let you roast one early and carve ahead. However, they do require more oven space.
Q: What’s the smallest turkey I can buy?
A: Most whole turkeys start around 8–10 lbs. If you need smaller portions, consider a half turkey, breast, or leg quarters.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right turkey size doesn’t have to be stressful. With this calculator and the guidelines above, you’ll be able to shop confidently and cook with peace of mind. Whether you’re planning for a few close friends or a big family feast, estimating 1–1.5 pounds of turkey per person gives you a solid starting point. Factor in your guest mix, side dishes, and love for leftovers, and you’re ready to host a perfect meal.