Cooking Time Calculator
Calculate cooking time for meat, poultry, and other dishes based on weight. Get per-pound cooking times for perfect results.
⏱️ Cooking📐 Cooking Time = Weight x Minutes Per Pound
Weight (pounds)
Food item
Desired doneness
Please enter valid values.
Formula & Reference
| Variable | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Time Calculator | Cooking Time = Weight x Minutes Per Pound | hours : minutes |
Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1
5 lb Chicken
5 lb whole chicken at 375F.
- 20 min/lb x 5 = 100 min = 1h 40m
- Check at 1h 20m; target 165F
✓ 1 hour 40 minutes
Example 2
12 lb Turkey
12 lb turkey at 325F.
- 14 min/lb x 12 = 168 min = 2h 48m
✓ 2 hours 48 minutes
Example 3
3 lb Beef Roast Medium
3 lb beef roast, medium.
- 18 min/lb x 3 = 54 min
- Check at 40 min for carryover
✓ 54 minutes
Real-World Applications
Home Cooks
Never under or overcook a roast again.
Holiday Cooks
Time Thanksgiving turkey perfectly.
Restaurants
Calculate roasting times for service planning.
Meal Planners
Know exactly when to start cooking for dinner time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️
Using time alone without thermometer
Time per pound is an estimate — always verify with an instant-read thermometer. Size, shape, starting temp, and oven calibration all affect timing.
⚠️
Starting with cold meat straight from fridge
Cold meat takes longer. Remove from fridge 30-60 minutes before cooking to take the chill off.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook a chicken per pound? ▾
About 20 minutes per pound at 375°F for a whole chicken, plus a 15-minute rest. A 4 lb chicken: approximately 80 minutes.
Turkey time per pound? ▾
Unstuffed: 13-15 min/lb at 325°F. Stuffed: 15-17 min/lb. Plan 3-4 hours for a 12-14 lb turkey.
Always rest roasted meat? ▾
Yes — 10-30 minutes depending on size. Juices redistribute as carryover cooking finishes.