A small bird
- Input
- 6.6 lb / 3 kg
- Expected output
- 1-3 d | 2-6 h
First bracket of the table: fridge 1 to 3 days, cold water 2 to 6 hours.
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how long to thaw a turkey
In the refrigerator a turkey needs about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds: 1 to 3 days up to 12 lb, and 5 to 6 days for a 20 to 24 lb bird. In cold water it takes about 30 minutes per pound, which means 2 to 12 hours. Open the tool, set the weight and the serving time, and it shows the latest moment to start.
First bracket of the table: fridge 1 to 3 days, cold water 2 to 6 hours.
Still fits in the first bracket.
Second bracket: it adds a whole day of fridge time.
Third bracket, 16 to 20 lb.
Fourth bracket, 20 to 24 lb.
Plan on 1 pound of whole turkey per person, which is the USDA figure, and up to 1½ pounds per person if you want leftovers. For 10 adults that is a 10 lb bird, or 15 lb with leftovers. This calculator counts a child as half a portion, a planning choice rather than a USDA number, so 8 adults and 2 children need 9 lb.
Only if your microwave manual gives a size, minutes per pound and power level for a turkey, and the bird fits. The USDA says to remove all wrapping, use a microwave-safe dish, cook right after and neither refreeze nor refrigerate it.
If it was properly thawed in the refrigerator, it can be refrozen when necessary. A turkey thawed in cold water or in the microwave cannot be refrozen and goes straight to the oven.
One to 2 days after it has thawed, according to the USDA. That is why the tool never starts earlier than the top of the thawing range for your weight.
No. The three safe methods in the USDA guide are refrigerator, cold water and microwave. At room temperature the surface warms up while the center stays frozen.
A 9 lb bird feeds about 9 adults or 18 children.
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Calculating your plan...
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Tables: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, Let's Talk Turkey (roasting and thawing). Preheat and carving times are planning assumptions.
Tables checked on 2026-11-10 against a government-archived copy of the USDA guide and two state reprints. Birds outside 4 to 24 lb are not covered.