To feed about 10 people, plan on a turkey in the 10–12 pound range to provide ample servings with leftovers if desired. If you want generous leftovers, consider a 12–14 pound bird. Guidance
- Standard takeaway: about 1.0–1.25 pounds of turkey per person (raw weight) for generous portions with some leftovers, which roughly maps to a 10–12 pound turkey for 10 people.
- If kids are present or you’re serving many sides, you can lean toward the lower end (9–11 pounds) while still feeding everyone.
- For very large gatherings, you can split into two smaller birds to improve even cooking and reduce roasting time.
Practical tips
- If you’re unsure about leftovers, aim for the higher end (12–14 pounds) for 10 people.
- Remember to account for the bones in weight calculations; the edible meat yield will be less than the raw weight.
- Consider side dish abundance; with ample sides, smaller turkeys can still satisfy the group.
Would you like a precise size recommendation based on your guest list, appetite estimates, and whether leftovers are desired? If you share your expected appetite level (light, moderate, hearty) and whether you want leftovers, a more tailored size can be calculated.
