Every guide gives slightly different amounts, so here is what the sources say and how to combine them. These are rules of thumb, not requirements.
How much turkey per person for Thanksgiving?
University of California Cooperative Extension, citing USDA guidance, says 1 pound of whole turkey per person, or 1.5 pounds if you want leftovers. Bone-in breast is 3/4 pound per person, boneless breast 1/2 pound and a pre-stuffed frozen turkey 1 1/4 pounds. For 8 adults and 2 children counted as half portions, that is 9 portions, so a 9-pound bird for no leftovers or a 14-pound bird with leftovers.
How big a turkey for 10 people with leftovers?
Ten adults at 1.5 pounds each is 15 pounds. A frozen 15-pound bird needs about 4 days to thaw in the refrigerator at 24 hours per 4 pounds, so for Thursday, November 26, 2026, move it to the fridge by Sunday, November 22. A fresh turkey should be bought 1 to 2 days before cooking.
How much food for Thanksgiving dinner per person
Whole Foods Market's holiday servings calculator uses 3/4 cup of stuffing, 3/4 cup of potatoes or starch, 1 cup of vegetable sides, 1/2 cup of gravy, 1 roll, 1 slice of pie and 3 appetizer pieces per person, plus a 1/2 pound of raw potatoes per guest for mashed. The TODAY cheat sheet by Melissa Clark adds 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce and one pie for every 8 people. Counting children as half portions is our planning assumption.
Thanksgiving shopping list calculator: putting it together
For 9 adult portions you would buy about 6.75 cups of stuffing and potatoes, 4.5 cups each of gravy and cranberry sauce, 9 cups of vegetables, 9 rolls and 2 pies. The NYT cheat sheet is more generous, at 1.5 pounds of turkey and 1 cup of stuffing per person, so scale up for big eaters. Cooked leftovers should go into the fridge within 2 hours and be eaten within 3 to 4 days.
Try the food quantity planner → Related: dinner cost calculator, roasting time calculator and leftover storage times.
Sources: UC Cooperative Extension, Let's talk TURKEY (citing USDA); Whole Foods Market Holiday Servings Calculator; TODAY, "How much food should you cook for Thanksgiving?" by Melissa Clark; Inch Calculator turkey guide. Verified October 9, 2026.
