Turkey
Turkey Thawing Time Calculator
How long a frozen turkey takes to thaw safely in the fridge or in cold water, and when to start.
Thawing time
3–3½ days
About 67–84 hours in a fridge at 40 °F (4 °C) or colder: 24 hours for every 4–5 lb.
USDA thawing chart
| Weight | Fridge | Cold water |
|---|---|---|
| 4–12 lb 1.81–5.44 kg | 1–3 days | 2–6 hours |
| 12–16 lb 5.44–7.26 kg | 3–4 days | 6–8 hours |
| 16–20 lb 7.26–9.07 kg | 4–5 days | 8–10 hours |
| 20–24 lb 9.07–10.9 kg | 5–6 days | 10–12 hours |
How this is calculated
Fridge: allow about 24 hours for every 4–5 lb in a fridge at 40 °F (4 °C) or colder. A thawed turkey keeps 1–2 more days in the fridge.
Cold water: allow about 30 minutes per lb. Keep the turkey in a leak-proof wrapper, fully under cold water, change the water every 30 minutes and cook it right away. Never thaw a turkey on the counter. Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, “Let’s Talk Turkey”.
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