How to Choose the Right Turkey for Your Family Size

One of the most common questions we get is: “How big of a turkey do I need?”
It’s a great question that can have differing answers based on your intentions. Nobody wants to run out of food, but nobody needs 15 pounds of leftovers either.

Over the years, we’ve found a simple guideline that works for almost every gathering: Buy roughly a pound of turkey per person.

Number of People	Turkey Weight Needed
4–6 people	6–8 lb
6–8 people	8–10 lb
8–10 people	10–12 lb
10–14 people	14–16 lb
14+ people	16–20+ lb

If You Want Leftovers

Add ½ pound per person to the numbers above.

Whole Turkey vs. Turkey Parts

If your family prefers white meat, dark meat, or you just want to cook faster — buying parts is a great move:

• Breasts are perfect for sandwiches and slicing
• Thighs have the richest flavor
• Wings & drums are awesome for smokers and fryers

Whether you’re cooking Thanksgiving dinner, or just picking up a turkey to break down into different meals, it’s always a good idea to determine how much you need. If you still need assistance, please reach out to us through the contact page!