How long does it take to roast a turkey per kilogram?

The standard formula is 20 minutes per kilogram plus a base time of 70 minutes for turkeys under 4kg, or 90 minutes for turkeys over 4kg. So a 5kg turkey needs approximately 5 x 20 + 90 = 190 minutes (3 hours 10 minutes). A stuffed turkey needs about 15% longer. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm — the thickest part of the thigh should reach 75°C.

What temperature should I roast a turkey at?

Roast at 160°C fan (180°C conventional / Gas Mark 4). Some recipes recommend starting at a higher temperature (200°C) for the first 30 minutes to brown the skin, then reducing to 160°C. Either method works. The lower, steadier temperature produces a more evenly cooked bird and is less likely to dry out the breast meat.

How many people does a turkey serve?

As a rough guide, allow 500g of raw bone-in turkey per person. A 5kg turkey serves about 10 people, a 7kg turkey about 14 people. If you want generous leftovers (sandwiches, curry, etc.), add an extra 1-2kg. For a boneless turkey crown, allow 250-300g per person.

Should I cover my turkey with foil?

Cover the turkey loosely with foil for the first two-thirds of the cooking time to prevent the breast from over-browning and drying out. Remove the foil for the final third to crisp and brown the skin. If the skin is browning too quickly at any point, replace the foil. Baste every 45 minutes or so with the pan juices.

How long should I rest a turkey before carving?

A turkey needs at least 30 minutes resting time, and ideally 45-60 minutes for larger birds. Tent loosely with foil and place in a warm spot. The internal temperature will continue to rise by 3-5 degrees during resting (carry-over cooking), and the juices will redistribute for moister meat. A well-rested turkey is much easier to carve too.

Is it safe to stuff a turkey?

It is safe as long as the stuffing reaches 75°C in the centre. However, stuffing slows heat penetration, so the bird takes longer to cook and the breast meat can dry out before the centre of the stuffing is safe. Many chefs recommend cooking the stuffing separately in a tray for the last 45 minutes. If you do stuff the bird, do not pack it tightly — leave room for heat to circulate.

BakeCalcs

Turkey Roasting Calculator

Calculate cooking time, temperature, and resting time for turkey based on weight.

Turkey Weight

Total weight including bones

Stuffed?

How We Calculate This

This calculator uses the standard UK turkey roasting formula: 20 minutes per kilogram plus a base time that varies by size (70 minutes for birds under 4kg, 90 minutes for larger birds). For stuffed turkeys, an additional 15% is added to the total time.

Serving estimates are based on approximately 500g of raw bone-in turkey per person. Resting time is calculated at roughly 6 minutes per kilogram, with a minimum of 30 minutes and maximum of 60 minutes.

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are based on standard ratios and conversions. Results may vary with specific ingredients, equipment, and conditions.