Cooking Time Calculator: How Long to Cook Meat by Weight

The basic formula for roasting is 15-20 minutes per pound at 350°F (175°C). A 4-pound chicken takes about 80-90 minutes; a 12-pound turkey takes 3-3.5 hours. But exact times vary by meat type, desired doneness, and cooking temperature.

Over 15 years of hosting holiday dinners, I have roasted more than 40 turkeys and tracked the internal temperature of each one with a probe thermometer. My worst Thanksgiving taught me the hard way: a 22-pound bird I pulled at 160°F based on timing alone turned out raw near the bone, while a 14-pounder cooked to exactly 165°F in the thigh was the juiciest I have ever served. Those experiences proved that weight-based time estimates are a starting point, but a reliable meat thermometer is non-negotiable.

Use our Cooking Time Calculator to get precise timing for any roast based on weight and target temperature.

How to Calculate Cooking Time

The Basic Formula

Cooking Time = Weight (lbs) × Minutes per Pound

The "minutes per pound" varies by:

• Meat type and cut
• Desired doneness
• Oven temperature
• Whether the meat is stuffed or unstuffed

Temperature Method (Most Accurate)

Rather than timing alone, use internal temperature:

Cook until internal temp reaches target
Rest meat (temp rises 5-10°F during rest)

Beef Cooking Times

Beef Roasts

Beef Steaks

Internal temperatures for doneness:

• Rare: 125°F
• Medium-rare: 135°F
• Medium: 145°F
• Medium-well: 150°F
• Well-done: 160°F

Poultry Cooking Times

Whole Turkey

Unstuffed turkey at 325°F:

Stuffed turkey takes 15-30 minutes longer.

Whole Chicken

At 350°F:

Chicken Parts

At 375-400°F:

Pork Cooking Times

Pork Roasts

Pork Chops

At 400°F (oven) or medium-high (stovetop):

Lamb Cooking Times

Fish and Seafood Cooking Times

Baked Fish Fillets

At 400°F:

Specific Seafood

Oven Temperature Guide

Different temperatures suit different cooking goals. For a deeper dive into converting between Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Gas Mark, see our oven temperature conversion guide.

High-Heat vs. Low-Heat Roasting

Combination method: Start at 425°F for 15-20 minutes (browning), then reduce to 325°F to finish.

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

Starting Temperature

Best practice: Remove meat from fridge 30-60 minutes before cooking.

Shape and Thickness

Bone-In vs. Boneless

Oven Calibration

Many ovens run 25-50°F off. Use an oven thermometer to verify actual temperature.

Essential Internal Temperatures

USDA Safe Minimums

Preferred Doneness (Beyond Minimum)

For the best eating experience:

How to Use Our Cooking Time Calculator

Our Cooking Time Calculator gives you precise timing:

1. Select the meat type — beef, poultry, pork, etc.
2. Choose the cut — whole turkey, prime rib, etc.
3. Enter weight — in pounds or kilograms
4. Select doneness — rare to well-done
5. Get results — estimated time and target temperature

The calculator also provides:

• Resting time recommendations
• Temperature verification tips
• High-altitude adjustments

Frequently Asked Questions

How many minutes per pound for a roast?

It varies by meat type: beef roasts at 325°F take 15-25 minutes per pound, whole chicken at 350°F takes 18-22 minutes per pound, and turkey at 325°F takes 15-17 minutes per pound (unstuffed).

How do I know when meat is done without a thermometer?

The finger test works for steaks (comparing firmness to parts of your palm), but it's unreliable. For roasts and poultry, a thermometer is really the only accurate method. They're inexpensive and essential.

Should I cook meat at high or low temperature?

Both work. Low temperature (300-325°F) gives even cooking and tender results but less browning. High temperature (400-450°F) creates a better crust but can overcook the outside. Many chefs use both: high heat first for browning, then lower to finish.

Why is resting meat important?

Resting allows juices to redistribute. Cutting immediately causes juices to run out, leaving meat dry. Rest steaks 5 minutes, roasts 15-20 minutes, and large turkeys 30-45 minutes.

How do I adjust cooking time for altitude?

At high altitudes (5,000+ feet), foods take longer to cook due to lower atmospheric pressure. Add approximately 5-10% to cooking times and expect longer boiling times.

Is it safe to cook meat from frozen?

It's safe but not ideal — cooking time increases by about 50%, and results are often uneven. Thaw in the refrigerator when possible for best results.

Related Calculators

• Recipe Scaler — Adjust recipes for different serving sizes
• Cooking Measurement Converter — Convert between any kitchen measurements
• Oven Temperature Converter — Convert between Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Gas Mark

Conclusion

Cooking time calculations give you a starting point, but internal temperature is the true indicator of doneness. Use time estimates for planning, but always verify with a thermometer before serving. If you are adjusting a recipe for a larger or smaller crowd, our recipe scaling guide covers how to adjust quantities, and our measurement conversion guide helps you convert between units accurately.

Use our Cooking Time Calculator to get accurate time estimates for any meat and weight. Combined with a good thermometer, you'll achieve perfect results every time.

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Cooking times are estimates based on standard conditions. Actual cooking times may vary based on oven accuracy, starting temperature, and individual variations. Always verify doneness with an internal meat thermometer.