How many people does 1 lb of turkey feed?

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Turkey Federation, planning for at least 1 pound of uncooked turkey per person is a safe rule of thumb for a moderate gathering. The exact number of people 1 lb of turkey feed can vary based on appetite, the type of cut, and whether you want leftovers, making accurate planning essential for a successful holiday meal.

Quick Summary

A host can calculate the ideal amount of turkey needed by considering various factors like the number of guests, desired leftovers, and presence of children. A common guideline is 1 to 1.5 pounds of whole turkey per person, with less needed for boneless cuts. The size of the turkey can also affect the meat-to-bone ratio and cooking time.

Key Points

Standard Portion: A general rule is to plan for 1 to 1.5 pounds of uncooked whole turkey per person to ensure enough for the meal and some leftovers.
Leftover Strategy: To guarantee ample leftovers, aim for the higher end of the recommendation, about 1.5 pounds per person.
Boneless vs. Bone-in: For boneless turkey breasts, calculate about ½ to ¾ pound per person, as there is no inedible bone weight.
Factor in Sides: If you're serving a variety of heavy side dishes, guests will likely eat less turkey, allowing you to use a more conservative estimate.
Large Crowds: For big gatherings, consider cooking two smaller birds instead of one very large one, as smaller turkeys cook more evenly and yield better results.
Kids and Appetites: Adjust your calculations for children and guests with lighter appetites, as they consume less than the average adult.

Calculating Your Turkey Needs: A Detailed Breakdown

When planning a holiday meal, one of the most common dilemmas is determining the right size turkey to buy. The question of how many people does 1 lb of turkey feed is the starting point, but the answer depends on several key variables. It's not a single-number answer, but rather a calculation that accounts for the type of turkey, the size of your gathering, and your guests' appetites.

The Standard Rule of Thumb

For a standard holiday dinner, a common guideline is to plan for 1 to 1.5 pounds of uncooked whole turkey per person. This calculation takes into account the weight of the inedible parts, such as the bones and skin, which can account for a significant portion of the total weight. For a smaller bird, some suggest erring on the side of a larger portion, closer to 1.5 pounds per person, because smaller turkeys have a lower meat-to-bone ratio. This guideline ensures that everyone gets a healthy serving and that there are some leftovers, a holiday tradition for many.

Adjusting for Different Appetites and Goals

Not all guests eat the same amount, and not all hosts want the same amount of leftovers. For a group of light eaters, or if you are serving many other substantial side dishes, you can scale back to the lower end of the recommendation, about 1 pound per person. Conversely, if you have a crowd of enthusiastic eaters or are hosting a smaller, more meat-focused gathering, it is wise to increase the amount to 1.5 to 2 pounds per person. If the primary goal is maximizing leftovers for subsequent meals, always budget more.

Factors Influencing Turkey Serving Sizes

Several factors can influence how much turkey you need to buy. Paying attention to these details can prevent you from running out or having an overwhelming amount of leftovers.

Type of Cut: Not all turkey is sold whole. For boneless turkey breasts or other boneless cuts, the portion size is drastically different. A good rule for boneless meat is to plan for ½ pound to ¾ pound per person, as there is no bone weight to account for. This makes it a great option for smaller gatherings or to supplement a larger, whole bird.

Side Dishes: The volume and variety of your side dishes play a major role. If your spread includes a rich and heavy assortment of mashed potatoes, stuffing, and casseroles, guests may fill up on sides and eat less turkey. A lighter meal with fewer side options will likely see guests consuming more of the main protein.

Guest Demographics: A guest list with many young children will naturally require less turkey per person than a table full of adults. Kids' portions are typically smaller, so you can factor them in as half an adult serving. Larger gatherings might also benefit from purchasing multiple, smaller turkeys instead of one giant one, which ensures more even and efficient cooking.

Comparison Table: How Many People Does 1 Lb of Turkey Feed?


Type of Turkey	Amount per Person (Uncooked)	Total Pounds Needed for 8 People	Cooked Edible Yield per Person (Approximate)
Whole Turkey (Standard)	1.0 - 1.25 pounds	8-10 pounds	6-8 ounces
Whole Turkey (with Leftovers)	1.5 pounds	12 pounds	9-12 ounces
Boneless Turkey Breast	0.5 - 0.75 pounds	4-6 pounds	6-8 ounces
Bone-in Turkey Breast	1.0 pound	8 pounds	6-8 ounces

Smart Strategies for Sizing Your Turkey

Here are some practical tips to help you get the calculation right every time:

Round Up: When in doubt, round up your total weight to the next full pound. It's always better to have a little extra than to run short, especially for unexpected guests.
Buy Multiple Birds: For very large gatherings, roasting two smaller birds is often a better strategy than attempting to cook one extra-large turkey. Smaller birds cook more evenly and produce moister meat.
Consider a Supplement: If you are feeding a big crowd but don't want to buy a massive turkey, consider supplementing with a turkey breast or another protein like a spiral ham to offer variety and stretch your main dish.
Ask Your Butcher: A local butcher can be an excellent resource for choosing the right size bird and offering advice specific to your gathering. They can even provide extra cuts like thighs if you have a group that prefers dark meat.

Conclusion

While a simplified rule of thumb suggests that 1 lb of turkey feeds one person, a successful meal depends on a more nuanced approach. By considering factors such as guest appetites, desired leftovers, and the specific cut of turkey, you can accurately plan your purchase. Whether you opt for a whole bird or a boneless breast, precise planning ensures that every guest leaves satisfied and that you're not left with too much—or too little—for your holiday feast. The key is to think beyond the basic formula and tailor your turkey size to the unique needs of your gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions

From 1 pound of raw, uncooked whole turkey, you can expect to yield approximately 6 to 8 ounces of cooked, edible meat.

Yes, if you want guaranteed leftovers, increase your per-person calculation. For a whole turkey, aim for 1.5 pounds per person instead of the standard 1 pound.

The main difference is the meat-to-bone ratio. Larger turkeys have a higher meat-to-bone ratio, so you can sometimes reduce your per-person calculation slightly. For 20 guests, it's often better to cook two smaller turkeys to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy.

Children typically eat less than adults. A good rule is to count two children as one adult serving when calculating your total turkey needs.

This depends on your guests' preferences and the size of your gathering. If your guests mostly prefer white meat and your group is small, turkey breasts are an excellent, time-saving option. For a traditional feast with both white and dark meat, a whole turkey is best.

Yes, the more side dishes you offer, the less turkey people will consume as they fill up on other items. If your menu includes many heavy sides, you can comfortably plan for 1 pound per person rather than more.

In smaller birds, the bones, which are relatively large, make up a greater percentage of the total weight compared to larger birds. This means a lower yield of meat per pound of uncooked weight.