A medium baked potato usually takes about 45–60 minutes in a 400°F (200°C) oven until the center is soft and the skin is crisp.

How long baked potatoes take

For whole, unwrapped potatoes (classic “jacket” potatoes) in a conventional oven:

  • Small potatoes (5–7 oz / 140–200 g): about 35–45 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
  • Medium potatoes (7–10 oz / ~200–280 g): about 45–60 minutes at 400–425°F (200–220°C).
  • Large potatoes (10–13 oz / ~280–370 g): about 60–75 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
  • Extra‑large potatoes (14+ oz / 400 g+): about 75–90 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

Every oven runs a bit differently, so think of these as ranges, not exact promises.

Simple rule of thumb

  • Preheat oven to 400–425°F (200–220°C).
  • Bake medium russets 45–60 minutes, turning once if you like.
  • Start checking at 40 minutes; continue until they’re completely tender.

Quick doneness checks (so you don’t guess)

You’ll know your baked potatoes are ready when:

  • A fork or skewer slides into the center with almost no resistance.
  • The skin feels firm but the potato gives slightly when you squeeze it gently with an oven mitt.
  • If you use an instant‑read thermometer, the center is around 205°F (96°C).

If they’re still firm or “crunchy” in the middle, keep baking and check every 5–10 minutes.

Mini step‑by‑step “weeknight” method

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  1. Scrub russet potatoes, dry them well, and poke a few holes with a fork.
  2. Rub with a little oil and salt the skin for extra crispiness.
  1. Place directly on the oven rack, with a tray or foil on the rack below to catch any drips.
  1. Bake 45–60 minutes for medium potatoes until fork‑tender and the skin is crisp.
  1. Split open right away and fluff the inside with a fork so it stays nice and fluffy.

You can shave off time by starting the potatoes in the microwave for 5–8 minutes total, then finishing in the oven for 20–30 minutes to crisp the skin (a common forum tip), but straight‑oven baking gives the most even result.

Time guide by size (at 400°F / 200°C)

Here’s a compact look at typical times from multiple guides.

[1] [3][1] [1][3] [3][5][1] [1][3] [3][1] [1] [1]
Potato size Approx. weight Oven temp Approx. time
Small 5–7 oz (140–200 g)400°F / 200°C 35–45 min
Medium 7–10 oz (200–280 g)400–425°F / 200–220°C 45–60 min
Large 10–13 oz (280–370 g)400°F / 200°C 60–75 min
Extra‑large 14+ oz (400 g+)400°F / 200°C 75–90 min

Tiny story to remember it

Imagine your potato as a little commuter:

  • At 400°F, a medium potato takes about “one TV episode” (45–60 minutes) to get from raw to fluffy, with its jacket turning nicely crisp on the outside.
  • If it’s smaller, it “catches an earlier train” and arrives in 35–45 minutes; if it’s bigger, it gets “stuck in traffic” and may need up to 75–90.

So whenever you wonder “how long do baked potatoes take to cook in the oven?” just think: medium potato, 400–425°F, plan for about 1 hour and start checking at the 40‑minute mark.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.