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🦃

Turkey Size Calculator

Determine the perfect turkey size for your guests and occasion

Calculate Turkey Size

Total guests: 8
Traditional whole turkey with bones40% meat yield
Standard serving sizes
Thanksgiving, Christmas with many sides
No extraSomePlenty

Turkey Size Recommendation

15 lbs
Recommended Weight
13.5-16.5
Weight Range (lbs)
6 lbs
Actual Meat

Size Category: Large

Great for holiday celebrations

Per person:1.9 lbs
Meat per person:0.8 lbs

Cost Estimate

Price per pound:$2.5/lb
Total estimated cost:$37.5

*Prices are estimates and vary by location and quality

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🍽️ Serving Guidelines

🦴

Bone-in Turkey

1-1.5 lbs per person

🥩

Boneless Turkey

0.5-0.75 lbs per person

👶

Children

60% of adult portions

🥡

Leftovers

Add 25-50% extra weight

📏 Size Chart

Whole Turkey Guide

6-8 lbs4-6 people
8-12 lbs6-8 people
12-16 lbs8-12 people
16-20 lbs12-16 people
20+ lbs16+ people

Meat Yield

Whole turkey40% meat
Turkey breast50% meat
Boneless85% meat
Thighs/legs45% meat

Shopping Tips

Fresh turkey2-3 days ahead
Frozen turkey1 week ahead
Thawing time24hrs per 4-5lbs

Turkey Sizing Guide

Factors That Affect Turkey Size

Guest Appetite

  • • Light eaters: Reduce by 20%
  • • Average appetite: Standard calculation
  • • Hearty eaters: Increase by 30%
  • • Very hungry group: Increase by 50%

Occasion Type

  • • Casual dinner: Standard portions
  • • Holiday feast: 20% more (many sides)
  • • Special celebration: 10% more
  • • Buffet style: 10% less (variety available)

Turkey Type Impact

  • • Whole turkey: More waste, more flavor
  • • Turkey breast: Less waste, white meat only
  • • Boneless: Minimal waste, easy carving
  • • Thighs/legs: Dark meat, good value

Planning Tips

🛒 Shopping Strategy

  • • Buy 10% more than calculated for safety
  • • Fresh turkeys: 2-3 days maximum storage
  • • Frozen turkeys: Can be stored for months
  • • Consider backup options for large groups

📅 Timeline Planning

  • • Order turkey 1-2 weeks ahead
  • • Start thawing 3-5 days before
  • • Plan cooking time: 15-20 min/lb
  • • Allow 30 minutes resting time

💡 Pro Tips

  • • Two smaller turkeys cook faster than one large
  • • Turkey breast works well for white meat lovers
  • • Plan for 25-50% more if you want leftovers
  • • Consider guest preferences and dietary restrictions
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