how long do i cook a turkey in the oven

You can estimate turkey oven time by weight, but the most important thing is cooking to a safe internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.

Basic timing by weight

For an unstuffed whole turkey roasted around 325°F, common guidelines are:

• 6–8 lb: about 2¼–2¾ hours.

• 8–12 lb: about 2¾–3 hours.

• 12–14 lb: about 3–3¾ hours.

• 14–18 lb: about 3¾–4¼ hours.

• 18–20 lb: about 4¼–4½ hours.

• 20–24 lb: about 4½–5 hours.

Some recipes instead use a rule of thumb of about 10–13 minutes per pound at 325°F for an unstuffed bird.

Temperature and doneness

• Preheat the oven (often 325°F, or start hotter for 20–45 minutes then reduce to 325°F, depending on recipe).

• Roast until a meat thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh, not touching bone.

• Let the turkey rest 10–45 minutes before carving so juices redistribute.

Simple step-by-step

1. Heat oven to about 325°F (or follow your specific recipe if it starts hotter).

2. Place turkey breast‑side up on a rack in a roasting pan and rub with oil or butter.

3. Roast using the time guide for your turkey’s weight, but start checking the internal temp early.

4. If the breast browns too fast, cover it loosely with foil.

5. Pull from the oven once breast and thigh reach 165°F; rest before carving.

If you tell the turkey’s weight and whether it’s stuffed or unstuffed, a more precise time range can be worked out for your specific case.