How Much Turkey Will You Need Per Person During Thanksgiving?

Ah, the Thanksgiving turkey. Like any holiday star worth its salt—and butter—it stirs up endless questions. How should you cook it? What’s the best way to store it? Brine or no brine? And most importantly, how much turkey is enough to feed your guests without leaving anyone peckish—or stuffing your fridge with too many leftovers? The answer depends on how many people are pulling up a chair at your table. Don’t worry, though; we’re here to carve out the answers for you.

Turkey Portioning 101: How Much Will You Need

When it comes to turkey portioning, a safe rule of thumb is 1 to 1.5 pounds of turkey per person. This accounts for the bones, skin, and other inedible bits while ensuring everyone gets enough meat. If you’re aiming for a feast with generous seconds (and those coveted Thanksgiving leftovers), bump that up to 2 pounds per person. Remember, a smaller turkey yields a higher meat-to-bone ratio, so portioning for smaller groups might vary slightly. For larger groups, a bigger bird—or even two turkeys—ensures you don’t run short. Here’s a quick guide to help you plan:

White Meat vs. Dark Meat: How Do You Take This Into Consideration?

Turkey portioning isn’t just about pounds—it’s also about balance. Not all guests are alike when it comes to their turkey preferences. Some live for the lean, mild white meat, while others can’t resist the richer, juicier dark meat. A good estimate is that most people will eat about two-thirds white meat and one-third dark meat.

For groups with a strong white-meat preference, consider buying a larger whole turkey or supplementing with a turkey breast. If dark meat lovers dominate your table, you might add turkey legs or thighs to the mix. The goal is to have a little of both, ensuring no one is left coveting someone else’s plate. If you’re unsure, err on the side of variety—a well-rounded turkey selection keeps everyone happy.

What About the Side Dishes?

Of course, turkey isn’t the only star on the Thanksgiving stage. Side dishes are like the supporting cast, and they play a critical role in determining how much turkey you’ll need. If your menu is brimming with heavy sides—think mashed potatoes, stuffing, mac and cheese, and creamy casseroles—guests are likely to eat less turkey. In this case, you can stick to the lower end of the portioning spectrum (1 to 1.5 pounds per person).

On the flip side, a simpler spread with lighter dishes, like salads or roasted vegetables, means the turkey will take center stage. For these occasions, aim for the higher end of the range (2 pounds per person) to ensure guests leave satisfied. Either way, the key is balance—Thanksgiving is all about piling a little bit of everything onto the plate, so make sure there’s enough to go around.