how much does the average thanksgiving turkey weigh?

The average Thanksgiving turkey in the U.S. weighs about 15–16 pounds (around 6.8–7.3 kg).

What “average” really looks like

Most sources that look at Thanksgiving purchasing data land in the mid‑teens for a whole bird.

• A survey summarized by an animal‑agriculture analysis site reports that turkeys bought for Thanksgiving average about 16 pounds.

• A Thanksgiving trivia article notes that the “average turkey at Thanksgiving” is about 15 pounds, which aligns closely with that 16‑pound figure.

So in practical terms, when someone says “average Thanksgiving turkey,” they usually mean a bird in the 15–16 pound range.

Common size range on the table

Even though 15–16 pounds is the statistical “average,” what people actually roast covers a wider band.

• Many home cooks aim for roughly 12–18 pounds for a typical family gathering, depending on guest count and how many leftovers they want.

• Very large birds (20+ pounds) show up for big crowds, but they are less common and pull the average up only slightly compared with the typical mid‑teens bird.

Bottom line: if you picture a classic Thanksgiving turkey in the U.S., think of a whole bird weighing around 15–16 pounds.