We consulted with chefs and food experts to create a tool that will assist you in determining how much turkey to prepare for your guests on Thanksgiving. If you find yourself asking around for advice, we understand how frustrating it can be.
To find out how much turkey you’ll need, just fill in the form below with the number of adults and kids. Adults: Children: Want Leftovers?: No Yes.
Ah, Thanksgiving. A time for family, friends, and of course, a delicious turkey feast. But before you head to the store, you need to figure out one crucial detail: what size turkey do you need for 8 adults in kg?
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the world of turkey math and ensure you have the perfect bird for your gathering
The Magic Number: 1 kg per Adult
As a general rule of thumb, you’ll need 1 kg of turkey per adult for a satisfying Thanksgiving meal This includes the bones, skin, and all the other non-edible parts. So, for 8 adults, you’ll need a turkey that weighs around 8 kg.
But Wait, There’s More!
However, there are a few factors that can influence this number:
- Appetites: If you know your guests have hearty appetites, you might want to bump up the amount to 1.2 kg per adult.
- Leftovers: Do you dream of turkey sandwiches for days? Then consider adding 0.5 kg per adult for leftovers.
- Cooking Method: If you’re stuffing your turkey, you’ll need a slightly larger bird as the stuffing takes up space. Add an extra 0.5 kg to be safe.
Putting it All Together
Let’s say you have 8 adults with average appetites and want some leftovers. You’ll need a turkey that weighs:
8 adults x 1 kg/adult + 8 adults x 0.5 kg/adult (leftovers) = 12 kg
So, a 12 kg turkey should be perfect for your Thanksgiving feast.
Pro Tip: When buying a turkey, remember that the weight listed on the packaging is usually the pre-cooked weight. You’ll need a slightly larger bird to account for the weight loss during cooking.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Now that you know how to calculate the perfect turkey size, you’re ready to tackle Thanksgiving with confidence. Just remember to relax, enjoy the company of your loved ones, and savor the delicious turkey feast!
How Much Turkey Do You Need?
Luckily (pun intended!), this chart will help you decide what size turkey to buy based on guest count. The Thanksgiving table is often the scene of the happiest holiday memories, and the turkey is the ultimate centerpiece!
The general rule of thumb is one pound of turkey per adult and a half pound per child. However, if the tradition of the feast extends to leftovers like turkey tetrazzini and late-night sandwiches, budget two to three pounds per person overall.
Smaller gatherings don’t necessarily mean smaller turkeys because the meat-to-bone ratio is typically less for birds under 12 pounds. If in doubt, always go bigger at two pounds per person.[1]
Turkey Size Chart – Turkey Needed Per Person
How To Pick The Perfect Size Turkey
FAQ
What weight turkey do I need for 8 adults?
Is a 15 pound turkey enough for 8 people?
What size turkey for 7 adults?
How many people will 5lb turkey crown feed?
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Size of bird
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Portions
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Below 3kg (6.5lb)
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up to 5 people
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3kg – 4kg (6.5lb – 8.8lb)
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4-6 people
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4kg – 5kg (8.8lb – 11lb)
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6-8 people
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5kg plus (11lb plus)
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10-12 people
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