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Christmas Dinner Portion Calculator

Hosting the big family feast? Don't stress about the turkey size. Enter your guest count and get an instant shopping list!

Christmas Dinner Calculator

Don't run out of gravy this year!

Guest Details

Calculations include estimated shrinkage for meat and generous portions for sides. Leftovers are the best part!

How Much Turkey Do I Need?

The general rule of thumb for a whole bird (bone-in) is 1 to 1.5 pounds per person. This accounts for the weight of the bones and ensures you have enough for the meal plus some leftovers.

  • Small Eaters / Kids: Count as 0.5 to 1 person.
  • Big Eaters: Plan for 1.5 to 2 pounds per person.
  • Boneless Turkey Breast: You only need about 0.5 to 0.75 pounds per person.

Planning the Sides

Sides are just as important as the main dish! For mashed potatoes, plan on 1/2 pound of potatoes per person. For stuffing, a standard box (6oz) usually feeds 4-6 people, but homemade stuffing lovers might eat more. And don't forget the gravyโ€”plan for at least 1/3 cup per guest!

Pro Tip: Thaw Your Turkey Early!

A frozen turkey needs 24 hours of thawing time for every 5 pounds of weight in the refrigerator. A 20-pound bird takes 4 full days to thaw!