Turkey Defrost Time Calculator
Calculate how long a frozen turkey takes to thaw in the fridge or in cold water.
Last updated · View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
About this calculator
These are approximate planning times: refrigerator thawing uses 12 hours/kg, while cold-water thawing uses 30 minutes/lb. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below; for cold water, keep the turkey wrapped, submerge it in cold tap water and change the water every 30 minutes. Cook immediately after cold-water thawing. Never thaw on the counter or in hot water. “Ready at” is shown in UTC and is only an estimate.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Turkey weight 6 kg · Thawing method Refrigerator Thawing time 72.0 h · Thawing time 3.00 days · Ready if started now 2026-11-03 15:33 UTC · Water changes needed 0
General background references
Disclaimer
These calculators give general cooking guidance. Ingredient density, oven calibration, altitude and equipment all vary, and safe minimum internal temperatures always take precedence over timings. Follow the food-safety advice issued by your national authority.
Implementation source
This record describes the implementation used by this page. It is not independent validation. External references, when available, support only the stated formula or definition; estimates and custom rules retain their own assumptions.
Formula and variables
H = w×r; D = H÷24; n_w = ⌈2H⌉
- w
- Turkey weight (kg)
- r
- Method rate (h/kg)
- H
- Defrost time (h)
- D
- Defrost time (days)
- n_w
- Water changes
These are approximate planning times: refrigerator thawing uses 12 hours/kg, while cold-water thawing uses 30 minutes/lb. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below; for cold water, keep the turkey wrapped, submerge it in cold tap water and change the water every 30 minutes. Cook immediately after cold-water thawing. Never thaw on the counter or in hot water. “Ready at” is shown in UTC and is only an estimate. Source: USDA FSIS, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/happy-thanksgiving.
Frequently asked questions
How should I thaw the turkey safely?
The estimates use 12 h/kg in a refrigerator and 30 min/lb in cold water. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below; keep the wrapped turkey submerged in cold tap water and change the water every 30 minutes. Cook immediately after cold-water thawing. Never thaw on the counter or in hot water. See [USDA thawing guidance](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/happy-thanksgiving).