Meat Roasting Time Calculator
Estimate how long to roast a joint or bird from its weight. Enter the pounds and choose a meat type, or set your own minutes per pound, to get the total cook time as hours and minutes.
How to use the meat cooking time calculator
- Enter the weight of the meat in pounds.
- Pick a meat type, or type your own minutes per pound from a recipe.
- Read the total roasting time broken into hours and minutes.
Examples
Roast turkey
12 lb turkey at 15 min/lb
180 min = 3h 0m
Small roast
4 lb at 20 min/lb
80 min = 1h 20m
Frequently asked questions
What internal temperature should meat reach?
As a guideline, poultry such as turkey and chicken should reach 165 F, pork and beef cooked to medium about 145 F, and ground meats 160 F. Always confirm with a meat thermometer, as time alone is only an estimate.
How many minutes per pound should I use?
Common starting points are about 15 minutes per pound for turkey, 20 for chicken or medium beef, and 25 for a pork loin. These vary with oven temperature, bone, and whether the bird is stuffed, so treat them as guidelines.
Does stuffing change the cooking time?
Yes. A stuffed bird takes longer because the heat has to penetrate the stuffing, which must itself reach 165 F. Add roughly 15 to 30 extra minutes and check the temperature in both the meat and the center of the stuffing.
Should I rest the meat after roasting?
Yes. Resting lets the juices redistribute so the meat stays moist when carved. Rest small roasts about 10 minutes and large birds 20 to 30 minutes. The internal temperature also rises a few degrees while resting.
Why is my result only an estimate?
Cooking time depends on oven calibration, starting temperature of the meat, shape, and bone. This calculator gives a planning estimate from weight. A thermometer is the only reliable way to confirm doneness.
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