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Meat cooking time

Estimate pan or grill time per side for steaks, chops and chicken by thickness.

Built and maintained by The NumberPrism Editorial TeamEditorial policy

Your details

cm
Results update as you type. The formula and assumptions are explained below the calculator.

Estimated cooking time

5 min

Time per side2.4 min
Rest time5 min
Target internal temperature54 °C (129 °F)
Thickness2.5 cm

Estimate for a preheated pan or grill over medium-high heat. Use a meat thermometer; chicken must reach 74 °C (165 °F), and pork should rest after reaching a safe temperature.

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What does this tool do?

Thickness, starting temperature and doneness drive cooking time more than weight for quick-cooked cuts. This calculator uses minutes per centimetre per side, then shows a realistic rest time and the internal temperature to aim for.

The Formula

Total time = thickness × minutes per cm per side × 2 × starting-temperature factor; rest 5 min

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I let meat come to room temperature first?

For thin cuts the difference is small, but a thick steak cooks more evenly from room temperature. Keep food out of the fridge for no more than 30 minutes and never leave it warm for hours.

How do I know when the meat is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part, avoiding bone and fat. Rest the meat for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute.