Turkey Thawing Time Calculator
Are you trying to find out when you should pull your turkey out of the freezer? Use this calculator to estimate how long it will take to thaw your turkey.
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How Long Does it Take to Thaw a Turkey?

Most recipes and cooking times for turkey call for the bird to be completely thawed. The time it takes to thaw a turkey will vary based on the method used to thaw it. There are three common ways to thaw a turkey.
Thawing a Turkey in Cold Water
Immersing a turkey in cold water is one of the fastest ways to thaw it. According to the USDA, you should allow about 30 minutes per pound to completely thaw the turkey, and refresh the water every 30 minutes.[1]
Turkey Size | Thawing Time |
---|---|
4 to 12 lbs | 2 – 6 hours |
12 to 16 lbs | 6 – 8 hours |
16 to 20 lbs | 8 – 10 hours |
20 to 24 lbs | 10 – 12 hours |
Thawing a Turkey in the Refrigerator
Putting a turkey in the refrigerator is another safe way to thaw it, though expect this method to take a little while. Food safety experts recommend allowing 1 day for every 4 pounds of turkey to thaw completely.[2]
Turkey Size | Thawing Time |
---|---|
4 to 12 lbs | 1 – 3 days |
12 to 16 lbs | 3 – 4 days |
16 to 20 lbs | 4 – 5 days |
20 to 24 lbs | 5 – 6 days |
So, be sure to check how many days are left before Thanksgiving so you can allow enough time to completely thaw your bird in the refrigerator.
Thawing a Turkey in the Microwave
When time is of the essence, the microwave can sometimes be used to thaw a turkey more quickly. Verify that your turkey will fit in the microwave with plenty of room on all sides.
Because not all microwaves are equal, confirm with the owners manual that it can safely defrost a turkey before attempting this method. Allow about 6 minutes per pound to completely thaw a turkey, and rotate it frequently for even defrosting.[3]
A word of caution – it’s possible the turkey will start to cook when using this method. If this happens, let it sit for about 5 minutes to rest before restarting the microwave.
Turkey Size | Thawing Time |
---|---|
4 to 12 lbs | 24 – 72 minutes |
12 to 16 lbs | 72 – 96 minutes |
16 to 20 lbs | 96 – 120 minutes |
20 to 24 lbs | 120 – 144 minutes |
How NOT to Thaw a Turkey
These are some methods you might consider to thaw a bird, but beware as they present food safety risks as the outside thaws while the inside remains frozen.
Once part of the turkey reaches 40° bacteria growth will begin, and the longer the meat remains above this temperature while the inside is still thawing the more bacteria will grow, some of which can live after cooking.
- Do NOT thaw a turkey on the counter
- Do NOT thaw a turkey outside on the porch
- Do NOT thaw a turkey in hot water[4]
- Do NOT thaw a turkey using a flamethrower (or other forms of heat)
Need help planning the right size turkey for the perfect portions? Try our turkey size calculator.
References
- United States Department of Agriculture, Turkey Basics: Safe Thawing, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/turkey-basics-safe-thawing
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Meat and Poultry Charts, https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/meat-poultry-charts
- Farmers' Almanac, How To Safely Thaw A Frozen Turkey, https://www.farmersalmanac.com/how-to-safely-thaw-a-frozen-turkey-33573
- Emma Christensen, All the Wrong Ways to Thaw a Turkey, https://www.thekitchn.com/all-the-wrong-ways-to-thaw-a-turkey-225711