What size turkey do I need for Christmas?
The size of the turkey you'll need for Christmas depends on how many people you plan to serve and whether you want leftovers. A general rule of thumb is to estimate about 450g to 680g of turkey per person. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the right size turkey:
Small turkey (5kg): Suitable for serving 10-12 people. This size is ideal if you have a small gathering and don't want too many leftovers.
Medium turkey (7kg): Suitable for serving 14-16 people. This size should be sufficient for a moderate-sized group and may provide some leftovers.
Large turkey (9kg): Suitable for serving 18-20 people. If you're hosting a larger gathering or want plenty of leftovers, a larger turkey is a good choice.
Extra-large turkey (11kg+): Suitable for serving 22-25 or more people. If you have a very large crowd or want lots of leftovers, consider an extra-large turkey.
Keep in mind that these are just rough guidelines, and the actual size you need may vary based on your guests' appetites and whether you want extra turkey for sandwiches and leftovers. Additionally, if you're serving a variety of other dishes, you may be able to get away with a slightly smaller turkey.
It's a good idea to plan ahead and order your turkey in advance, especially if you're looking for a specific size or type (e.g. free-range). Also, be sure to check the cooking instructions for the turkey you choose, as cooking times and temperatures can vary based on the turkey's size.
How much turkey do you need per person
The whole-turkey estimates above include the weight of the bones. They refer to the uncooked bird you buy, rather than the amount of cooked meat on each plate.
For straightforward planning, allow around 500g of whole turkey per adult, then increase your order if you want larger portions or plenty of leftovers. This is the starting allowance we recommend for our
Traditional White Turkey and
Traditional Bronze Turkey.
For a plain boneless turkey breast joint or boneless crown, a practical planning estimate is around 250g to 300g of uncooked meat per adult when served with Christmas side dishes. You need less weight because there is no carcass. Bone-in crowns need a different allowance, while stuffed or bacon-wrapped joints should be chosen using their own serving guidance.
Turkey size guide by number of people
Already know how many people are coming for Christmas dinner? Start with your guest numbers and use this table to compare a whole turkey with a boneless crown. These are approximate adult portions with roast potatoes, vegetables and trimmings; they do not guarantee leftovers.
|
People to feed
|
Whole turkey
|
Boneless crown or breast joint
|
|
4 people
|
3–4kg
|
1–1.5kg
|
|
6 people
|
3–4kg
|
1.5–2kg
|
|
8 people
|
4–5kg
|
2–2.5kg
|
|
10 people
|
5–6kg
|
2.5–3kg
|
|
12 people
|
6–7kg
|
3–4kg
|
|
14 people
|
7–8kg
|
3.5–4.5kg
|
|
16 people
|
8–9kg
|
4–5kg
|
|
18 people
|
9–10kg
|
4.5–5.5kg
|
|
20 people
|
10–11kg
|
5–6kg
|
|
24 people
|
12–13kg
|
6–7.5kg
|
The serving ranges above allow for lighter appetites and a generous spread of other dishes. This table gives a little more room when planning for a full table of adults. Choose towards the upper end for hearty appetites, and add a separate allowance if Boxing Day meals are part of your plan.
Available weights vary, so check the sizes shown on your chosen product and round up when you fall between options. For a large gathering, two smaller turkeys or a whole turkey plus a boneless joint may be easier to accommodate, provided you have enough oven and fridge space.
Whole turkey or turkey crown for Christmas
A whole turkey gives you both breast meat and darker leg meat, making it a good choice when your guests enjoy a mixture. It also provides the traditional centrepiece for carving at the Christmas table.
A
turkey crown is the breast section with the legs removed. Crowns can be sold on the bone or boneless, so always check the description before comparing weights. A 3kg bone-in crown and a 3kg boneless joint will not provide the same amount of meat.
Our
Special Christmas Boneless Turkey Crown is an option for families who prefer white meat and straightforward carving. A boneless joint can also help you match the amount of turkey to a smaller guest list.
What size turkey to choose for two or four people
For Christmas dinner for two, a boneless joint of around 750g to 1kg is a useful starting point, with scope for leftovers depending on appetites. For four adults, allow approximately 1kg to 1.5kg of boneless turkey, choosing the larger size if you want generous servings.
If you prefer a whole bird, a small turkey can still suit a smaller gathering when you have plans for the remaining meat. Think about turkey sandwiches, a turkey and ham pie, or a curry before deciding how much extra to buy.
Allowing for children and a second Christmas roast
Count the people who will actually eat turkey, rather than everyone seated at the table. Younger children may need smaller portions, while teenagers and hungry adults may need a full serving or more.
If you are serving beef, gammon or another roast alongside turkey, you can divide the meat allowance between the two. Ask whether guests will want a little of everything or a full turkey portion before reducing your turkey size.
Remember to plan your
pigs in blankets and
sausage stuffing at the same time. A Christmas plate with plenty of trimmings usually needs less turkey than a meal where turkey is the main focus.
How much extra turkey to buy for leftovers
Work out how many extra portions you would like. For example, allowing for two additional adult portions means adding roughly 1kg to your whole-turkey calculation, or about 500g to 600g to your boneless-joint calculation. These are planning estimates; the final yield depends on the bird and how it is cooked and carved.
If you only want a few sandwiches, a small increase may be enough. If you are feeding the family again on Boxing Day, plan those servings as an additional meal. This helps you order enough without filling the fridge with more leftovers than you can use.
Check oven space and cooking instructions before ordering
Before choosing a large turkey, measure your roasting tin and the usable space inside your oven. Allow room around the bird and think about when you will cook the potatoes, stuffing and other dishes. Check that your fridge can hold the turkey safely too.
Follow the cooking instructions supplied with your turkey or joint. Whole birds, crowns and boneless joints can need different cooking times, so a whole-turkey timing guide should not automatically be applied to every cut.
Use a clean food thermometer to check the thickest part of the meat. The Food Standards Agency lists 70°C for 2 minutes, or 75°C for 30 seconds, among its safe cooking combinations. Cool leftovers promptly and refrigerate or freeze them within one to two hours.
Order your Christmas turkey from Ian Chatfield in Tonbridge
Our
Traditional White and
Bronze turkeys are reared free-range on a family farm in the Tenterden area of Kent. White turkey offers a more delicate flavour, while Bronze turkey has a richer taste. Both are supplied oven-ready with giblets and cooking instructions.
Browse our
Christmas turkey and festive meat range to choose your centrepiece and trimmings. For Christmas 2026, the standard Christmas range is available for Click & Collect from our Tonbridge store between 21st and 24th December.
If you would like your Christmas feast delivered, explore our
Christmas meat hampers. These are our only Christmas Home Delivery option, with FREE UK delivery on 22nd or 23rd December and a complimentary insulated picnic bag. Hamper quantities and delivery slots are strictly limited, so pre-order early to secure your preferred option.
Still deciding what size turkey you need? Tell us your guest numbers, preferred cut and plans for leftovers when you
contact our butchers. We will help you choose a suitable size for your Christmas table.
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