Daily Outputs

Turkey Thawing Calculator

Enter your turkey's weight to see how long it takes to thaw and the day to move it to the refrigerator. Allow about 1 day per 4 pounds in the fridge, or 30 minutes per pound in cold water.

Thawing time
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Start thawing
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Planning the whole meal? Use the Thanksgiving turkey planner.

Turkey thawing times by weight
Turkey weightIn the refrigeratorIn cold water
8–12 lb2–3 days4 hr – 6 hr
12–16 lb3–4 days6 hr – 8 hr
16–20 lb4–5 days8 hr – 10 hr
20–24 lb5–6 days10 hr – 12 hr

Refrigerator or cold water?

The refrigerator is the safest and easiest method. The turkey stays below 40°F the whole time, and once thawed it keeps for another day or two, so there’s room for error. The catch is time: a large bird needs most of a week.

Cold water is the fallback when you’re short on time. It’s about eight times faster but takes attention. You have to change the water every 30 minutes, and the turkey must be cooked as soon as it thaws.

The microwave also works for small birds if yours fits, but it partly cooks the edges. Cook the turkey immediately afterward.

How the start date is calculated

The calculator rounds the refrigerator time up to whole days and counts back from Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November. If Thanksgiving has already passed this year, it uses next year’s date. If you’re cooking on a different day, count back the same number of days from that date.

Tips

  • Leave the turkey in its original wrapping and set it on a rimmed tray to catch drips.
  • Keep it on the bottom shelf so juices can’t drip onto other food.
  • Check your fridge is at 40°F or colder. A warmer fridge thaws faster but isn’t safe.
  • Buying fresh instead of frozen? Pick it up no more than 1 to 2 days before cooking.

Thawing times follow the USDA’s guidance on thawing a turkey.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to thaw a turkey in the refrigerator?

Allow about 24 hours for every 4 pounds. A 12 lb turkey needs about 3 days, a 16 lb turkey about 4 days, and a 20 lb turkey about 5 days.

How do I thaw a turkey in cold water?

Keep it in its sealed wrapping, submerge it breast-side down in cold tap water, and change the water every 30 minutes. Allow about 30 minutes per pound, then cook it right away.

Can I thaw a turkey on the counter?

No. The outside of the bird warms into the 40–140°F danger zone, where bacteria multiply quickly, while the inside is still frozen.

How do I know my turkey is fully thawed?

The breast should feel soft, there should be no ice crystals in the cavity, and you should be able to pull out the neck and giblets easily.

My turkey is still partly frozen on Thanksgiving morning. What do I do?

Finish it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes, or cook it as it is. A partly frozen turkey is safe to cook but takes longer, so check the temperature in several spots.

How long can a thawed turkey stay in the fridge?

One to two days. So if you start thawing a little early, the turkey is still fine on Thanksgiving.

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