What does this tool do?
A whole turkey yields roughly half its raw weight as edible meat, so the raw weight must be larger than the meat you want per guest. This calculator uses a per-guest baseline for whole birds or boneless breast, adjusts for appetite and adds a leftovers margin.
The Formula
Raw weight = base per guest × guests × appetite factor × leftovers factorFrequently Asked Questions
How long does a turkey take to thaw?
Plan on about 24 hours per 2 kg in the refrigerator. A 6 kg bird needs roughly three days, so move it from the freezer early and keep it on a tray to catch drips.
Is a whole turkey or a breast better?
A whole bird gives more flavour, skin and leftovers; a boneless breast is easier to carve and cooks faster. Breast meat also dries out more quickly, so watch the temperature closely.