How Much Turkey Do You Really Need Per Person?

Turkey: the centerpiece of so many holiday meals, but also the source of a classic hosting dilemma. Too much, and you’ll be eating turkey sandwiches until spring. Too little, and your guests might start eyeing the side dishes with a little too much intensity. So, how do you get the turkey math just right? Here’s a no-fuss guide to figuring out how much turkey to serve per person, with tips to keep everyone at the table happy (and full).

The Golden Rule: 1 to 1.5 Pounds Per Person

When it comes to turkey, a good starting point is 1 to 1.5 pounds per person. This guideline factors in the weight of the bones (because, let’s face it, they take up space) and ensures there’s plenty of meat to go around.

• If you want no leftovers: Stick to 1 pound per person. This is perfect if you’re serving a smaller meal or aren’t a fan of next-day turkey sandwiches.
• If you love leftovers: Go for 1.5 pounds per person. This gives you enough to serve everyone generously and still have turkey for soups, sandwiches, or reheating later in the week.

Doing the Turkey Math

Let’s break it down with some quick examples:

• For 8 guests, you’ll need:
  • 8 pounds of turkey if you don’t want leftovers.
  • 12 pounds of turkey if leftovers are part of your plan.
• For 12 guests, you’ll need:
  • 12 pounds of turkey for no leftovers.
  • 18 pounds of turkey for plenty of post-meal goodies.

And if you’re serving a bigger crowd, just keep multiplying. The math isn’t tricky—no calculators are needed, I promise.

Adjusting for Your Crowd

Not all appetites are created equal, so think about your guest list. Are you feeding a group of big eaters who will want seconds (and maybe thirds)? Go heavier on the turkey. Got a lot of kids at the table? You can scale back since they’ll likely eat less.

Also, consider the rest of the menu. If you’re serving a massive spread with hearty sides—think stuffing, mashed potatoes, and rolls—you might not need as much turkey because people will fill up on everything else.

What About Boneless Turkey?

If you’re skipping the whole bird and opting for boneless turkey breasts instead, the math changes slightly. Plan for about 8 ounces of boneless turkey per person. That’s roughly half a pound, which accounts for the fact that you’re not dealing with bones or carving.

Avoiding Turkey Shortages and Surpluses

Here’s the thing: it’s always better to have a little extra than to run out. If you’re teetering between sizes, go for the bigger bird—turkey is one of those proteins that reheats beautifully and can be transformed into all kinds of dishes.

Leftovers can mean turkey soup, chili, tacos, or even breakfast hash (trust me, it works). But if you truly don’t want to deal with extras, resist the temptation to “just get a little more,” and stick to the numbers.

The Bottom Line

Getting the right amount of turkey per person doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With 1 to 1.5 pounds per person as your guideline, you can confidently plan your holiday meal, knowing everyone will leave the table satisfied. Whether you’re team “just enough” or team “leftovers for days,” a little bit of planning ensures your turkey is perfectly portioned—and your hosting stress stays at a minimum.