What size Turkey do I order?

What Size Christmas Turkey Should You Order for Your Guests?

The festive season is all about bringing people together—and let’s be honest, nothing brings everyone to the table quite like a perfectly roasted Christmas turkey. But how do you make sure you order the *right size* bird?

Too small, and you’ll be fighting over drumsticks. Too big, and you'll be eating leftover turkey until New Year’s Eve. Here's a simple guide to help you figure out what size Christmas turkey you need, based on your guest list.

General Rule of Thumb

For a whole turkey with bone in, the standard serving size is:

1.3 pounds (600g) per person

This includes enough meat per person and accounts for the bones and some leftovers (because let’s face it, leftover turkey sandwiches are a holiday tradition).

Turkey Size by Number of Guests

Number of Guests | Turkey Size (Uncooked Weight)

6 people 8-10lbs (3.6-4.5kg)

8 people 10-12lbs (4.5-5.4kg)

10 people 12-14 lbs (5.4-6.3kg)

12 people 14-16lbs (6.3-7.2kg)

14 people 16-18lbs (7.2-8.1kg)

16+ people 18-20lbs (8.1-9.1kg)

18+ people 20lb + (9-10kg)

Want Leftovers?

If you love leftovers don’t be scared to order the next size up.

Other Things to Consider

1. Appetites Vary

Kids eat less – Count them as 0.5 of a serving.

Big eaters – Consider sizing up a bit.

2. Oven Space

Don’t forget to make sure your oven can actually fit the turkey you order. A 20-pound bird can be pretty big!

Quick Calculator (for the planners)

Turkey Weight (lbs) = Number of Guests × 1.3

For example:

10 guests × 1.3 = 13 lbs turkey

Round up to the nearest whole number when ordering.

Final Tip: Order Early!

Especially around Christmas, our popular turkey sizes sell out quickly. If you have your guest list set, there’s no reason to wait! Our order book opens early September!

Hunn’s Poultry