How Much Turkey Per Person? The Only Chart You Need

The golden rule for Thanksgiving turkey is 1 to 1½ pounds of whole bird per person. That accounts for the bone, shrinkage during cooking, and the leftovers everyone secretly wants. Here's exactly how much turkey to buy for any size gathering, plus adjustments for big eaters, kids, and boneless cuts.

The Quick Rule of Thumb

Plan 1 lb per person for average appetites with moderate leftovers, or 1½ lb per person for big eaters and generous leftovers. A 12 lb turkey feeds about 8–10 people; a 16 lb turkey feeds 10–14. If you want plenty of leftover turkey for sandwiches, round up.

Turkey Size Chart by Guest Count

4 guests: 6–8 lb turkey. 6 guests: 8–10 lb. 8 guests: 10–12 lb. 10 guests: 12–15 lb. 12 guests: 15–18 lb. 16 guests: 18–22 lb. 20 guests: 22–26 lb. For crowds over 20, consider two smaller turkeys — they cook more evenly than one giant bird and free up oven space.

Boneless Turkey Breast

Boneless turkey breast yields more meat per pound because there's no bone. Plan ½ lb (8 oz) of boneless breast per person. A 3 lb boneless breast feeds about 6 people. This is the best choice for small gatherings or a Thanksgiving dinner for two.

Adjusting for Kids and Big Eaters

Count children as half a portion. For a crowd of heavy eaters or football fans expecting seconds, add 25% to your total. If you're serving lots of side dishes, you can trim the turkey slightly — guests fill up on stuffing and potatoes too.

Don't Forget Leftovers

If leftover turkey sandwiches are a tradition at your house, buy a bird one size larger than the chart suggests. Extra turkey also freezes beautifully — shred or slice it, portion into bags with broth, and freeze for up to three months of quick weeknight meals.