How long does a frozen turkey take to thaw? Enter its weight and the day you plan to cook it to see when to move it to the fridge.
Based on USDA guidance: in the refrigerator (40 °F / 4 °C or colder) allow 24 hours per 4–5 lb (this calculator uses the safer 4 lb); in cold water allow 30 minutes per lb and change the water every 30 minutes. Never thaw a turkey on the counter.
| Weight | In the fridge | In cold water |
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The USDA guideline is about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds in a refrigerator at 40 °F or below. A 16 lb turkey needs about 4 days.
Allow about 30 minutes per pound. Keep the turkey in its leak-proof wrapping, submerge it in cold tap water and change the water every 30 minutes. Cook it right after it thaws.
A turkey thawed in the refrigerator can be kept there for 1 to 2 days before cooking.
See also: Turkey cooking time calculator · Turkey brine calculator · Thanksgiving cooking timeline · Christmas dinner timeline · Thanksgiving food calculator · All holiday dates · all tools