Calculate Thanksgiving quantities
Thanksgiving turkey and side chart
Fast starting points for a standard dinner with generous sides. Adjust with the calculator above.
| Guests | Turkey | Potatoes | Stuffing | Green beans | Pies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 10–12 lb | 3.5 lb | 1 box | 3 cans | 1 |
| 10 | 12–15 lb | 5 lb | 2 boxes | 4 cans | 1–2 |
| 20 | 22–28 lb | 9 lb | 3 boxes | 7 cans | 2–3 |
| 30 | 30–40 lb | 14 lb | 5 boxes | 11 cans | 3–4 |
Planning a casual buffet instead of a sit-down dinner? The party food calculator covers mains and sides, and the potluck calculator helps when every guest brings a dish.
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Thanksgiving calculator questions
How much turkey per person?
Plan about 1 to 1.5 pounds of uncooked turkey per adult. For 10 adults that is a 12 to 15 pound turkey, and for 20 adults a 22 to 28 pound turkey. Buy less per person if you have many sides.
How many pounds of turkey for 10 people?
For 10 adults, plan a 12 to 15 pound turkey. For 10 total guests including kids, a 12 pound bird is usually plenty with generous sides.
How many pounds of turkey for 20 people?
For 20 adults, plan a 22 to 28 pound turkey or two smaller birds. Leftovers are welcome, but aim for 1 to 1.25 pounds per adult if you prefer thin slices.
How many pounds of turkey for 30 people?
For 30 adults, plan about 30 to 40 pounds of turkey, usually two birds. Cook them separately so they roast evenly and rest properly.
How much mashed potatoes per person?
Plan about 1/2 cup of cooked mashed potatoes per adult, which works out to roughly 1/3 to 1/2 pound of raw potatoes per person. For 10 adults that is about 5 pounds.
How much stuffing per person?
Plan about a 1/2 cup of prepared stuffing per adult. For 12 adults, prepare enough stuffing for about 6 to 8 cups total, or one 6 ounce box for every two to three guests.
How much green beans do I need?
Plan about 1/2 cup of green beans per adult. For casserole, one 14 ounce can covers roughly four people, so 10 adults need about two and a half cans.
How many pies for Thanksgiving?
Plan one pie per 8 to 10 people, with each pie sliced into eight pieces. For 20 guests that is about two to three pies, giving a mix of pumpkin, pecan and apple.