Turkey thawing calculator
A frozen turkey takes days to thaw in the fridge. Enter its weight and when you want to cook, and this tells you when to take it out of the freezer.
Thawing times by weight
In the fridge, allow about 12 hours per kg (a day for every 4–5 lb). In cold water, allow 30 minutes per lb and change the water every half hour.
| Weight | In the fridge | In cold water |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kg (6.6 lb) | 36 hours (1.5 days) | 3 h 18 min |
| 4 kg (8.8 lb) | 48 hours (2.0 days) | 4 h 25 min |
| 5 kg (11 lb) | 60 hours (2.5 days) | 5 h 31 min |
| 6 kg (13.2 lb) | 72 hours (3.0 days) | 6 h 37 min |
| 7 kg (15.4 lb) | 84 hours (3.5 days) | 7 h 43 min |
| 8 kg (17.6 lb) | 96 hours (4.0 days) | 8 h 49 min |
| 9 kg (19.8 lb) | 108 hours (4.5 days) | 9 h 55 min |
| 10 kg (22 lb) | 120 hours (5.0 days) | 11 h 1 min |
How to thaw a turkey safely
- Keep it in its wrapping, on a tray on the bottom shelf of the fridge, so nothing drips onto other food.
- Your fridge should be at 5°C (40°F) or below.
- It’s thawed when the legs move freely and there are no ice crystals inside the cavity. Take out the giblets as soon as you can.
- Once thawed it keeps in the fridge for a day or two, so it’s fine to finish early.
- Don’t thaw it at room temperature: the outside warms up long before the middle thaws.
Questions
How long does a turkey take to defrost?
About 12 hours per kg in the fridge, or a day for every 4–5 lb. A 6 kg (13 lb) turkey needs about 3 days.
When should I take my turkey out of the freezer for Christmas?
For a 5–6 kg turkey, move it to the fridge by the morning of 22 December; 21 December gives you a day to spare. For 7 kg or more, start on 20 December.
When should I thaw my turkey for Thanksgiving?
For a 14–16 lb turkey, move it to the fridge on the Saturday or Sunday before Thanksgiving. For 20 lb or more, start on the Friday.
Can I thaw a turkey in cold water?
Yes: keep it wrapped, fully under cold water, and change the water every 30 minutes. Allow 30 minutes per lb and cook it straight away.
Times are a guide: ovens and joints vary. Always check meat with a thermometer before serving. FeastFlow’s times come from British Turkey, AHDB and USDA guidance, last checked 9 November 2026.