ThawDay
Tell it when dinner is. It tells you when to buy, thaw, brine, and roast the turkey.
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Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 26, 2026.
Thaw times at a glance
USDA guide: in the fridge, allow 24 hours of thaw time for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey.
| Turkey weight | Fridge thaw time | Cold water thaw time |
|---|---|---|
| 4 to 12 lb | 1 to 3 days | 2 to 6 hours |
| 12 to 16 lb | 3 to 4 days | 6 to 8 hours |
| 16 to 20 lb | 4 to 5 days | 8 to 10 hours |
| 20 to 24 lb | 5 to 6 days | 10 to 12 hours |
Short on time? Cold water: 30 minutes per pound, fresh water every 30 minutes, cook right after. Never thaw on the counter.
Times from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Common questions
When do I start thawing a frozen turkey?
In the fridge, allow 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. A 12 to 16 pound turkey needs 3 to 4 days, so move it to the fridge 4 days before you cook to be safe. Once thawed, it keeps in the fridge for 1 to 2 days before cooking.
Is fridge thawing or cold water thawing better?
The fridge is the hands off option: 24 hours per 4 to 5 pounds, with nothing to watch. Cold water is faster, about 30 minutes per pound, but you must change the water every 30 minutes and cook the turkey right after it thaws. Never thaw a turkey on the counter.
How does the timeline tool work?
The timeline tool is live now. Tell it when dinner is and how big the turkey is, and it gives you dated buy, thaw, brine, and roast times.
Is ThawDay free?
Yes. ThawDay is free forever. No ads. No accounts.