Turkey thaw calculator
Thaw a turkey in the refrigerator for about one day per 4 to 5 pounds: a 20 lb turkey needs about 4 to 5 days. In cold water, allow about 30 minutes per pound.
How long to thaw your turkey
Turkey thawing chart
The refrigerator column uses USDA’s 4 to 5 lb per day, rounded up to whole days. Cold water is 30 minutes per pound.
| Turkey weight | Refrigerator | Cold water | Water changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 lb (1.8 kg) | 1 day | 2 hours | 3 |
| 6 lb (2.7 kg) | 2 days | 3 hours | 5 |
| 8 lb (3.6 kg) | 2 days | 4 hours | 7 |
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 2 to 3 days | 5 hours | 9 |
| 12 lb (5.4 kg) | 3 days | 6 hours | 11 |
| 14 lb (6.4 kg) | 3 to 4 days | 7 hours | 13 |
| 16 lb (7.3 kg) | 4 days | 8 hours | 15 |
| 18 lb (8.2 kg) | 4 to 5 days | 9 hours | 17 |
| 20 lb (9.1 kg) | 4 to 5 days | 10 hours | 19 |
| 22 lb (10 kg) | 5 to 6 days | 11 hours | 21 |
| 24 lb (10.9 kg) | 5 to 6 days | 12 hours | 23 |
How to thaw a turkey safely
In the refrigerator. This is the safest way, and it needs the most time. Leave the turkey in its wrapper on a tray, in a fridge set to 40°F (4°C) or below. Allow about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. A turkey thawed this way keeps for 1 to 2 days before cooking, so there is no need to hurry on the last day.
In cold water. Put the turkey in a leak-proof bag so it takes in no water and nothing spills, and cover it with cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes so it stays cold. Allow about 30 minutes per pound, and cook the turkey right after it thaws.
In the microwave. USDA lists this as an option too. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your microwave and cook the turkey immediately afterward.
Never on the counter. A turkey left out at room temperature is not safe, even if the middle is still frozen. USDA also says a turkey can be cooked from frozen, but it takes about 50 percent longer. Work out the cooking time.
Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, Turkey Basics: Safe Thawing; USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, The Big Thaw — Safe Defrosting Methods. Times are estimates; always check with a food thermometer.
More for the Thanksgiving table
Work out the rest of the turkey plan.
Kids at the table? Make a turkey disguise page for them to color while the turkey cooks.
Questions
How long does it take to thaw a 20 lb turkey in the fridge?
About 4 to 5 days. USDA allows roughly 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds, so a 20 lb (9.1 kg) turkey needs 4 to 5 days; plan for 5 days to be safe. In cold water the same bird takes about 10 hours.
How do I thaw a turkey fast?
Use cold water. Keep the turkey in a leak-proof bag, submerge it 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. A turkey thawed on the counter or in hot water spends too long in the temperature range where bacteria multiply. Use the refrigerator or cold water.
How long can a thawed turkey stay in the fridge?
A turkey thawed in the refrigerator keeps for 1 to 2 days before you cook it. That is why the day count here is a start-by date: starting a day early is fine, but starting late is not.
How many times do I change the water when thawing a turkey?
Every 30 minutes, so a 12 lb turkey needs about 11 changes over 6 hours. The calculator shows the number for your weight. The water must stay cold.
Can I thaw a turkey in the microwave?
USDA lists the microwave as a thawing option. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your oven, and cook the turkey immediately afterward. Most whole turkeys are too big for a home microwave.
Can I put a thawed turkey back in the freezer?
A turkey thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking, though some quality is lost. Do not refreeze one thawed in cold water or the microwave.