Meat thawing time calculator
Enter the weight of the frozen meat and choose how you will thaw it. The calculator gives the time from USDA FSIS guidance so you know when to start, without leaving food on the counter.
Runs in your browser: nothing you enter is sent anywhere.
How to use it
- Enter the weight of the frozen meat or turkey.
- Choose refrigerator (safest, slowest) or cold water (faster, needs attention).
- Read the time and count back from when you want to cook.
How it works
Refrigerator: the USDA gives about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 lb, so the low estimate is weight ÷ 5 × 24 hours and the high one weight ÷ 4 × 24 hours. Cold water: 30 minutes per pound, with the water replaced every 30 minutes. Kilograms are converted to pounds first (1 kg = 2.2046 lb).
Worked example
A 12 lb frozen turkey in the refrigerator: 12 ÷ 5 × 24 = 57.6 hours and 12 ÷ 4 × 24 = 72 hours, so allow three days. In cold water it needs 12 × 30 = 360 minutes (6 hours) with the water changed 12 times.
Tips
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to thaw meat in the refrigerator?
USDA FSIS guidance is about 24 hours for each 4 to 5 pounds. A 12 lb turkey therefore needs roughly 58 to 72 hours, so start at least three days before cooking. Large cuts take longer than small ones; a 1 lb package thaws overnight.
How does the cold water method work?
Keep the meat in a leak-proof bag, submerge it in cold tap water and change the water every 30 minutes so it stays cold. Allow about 30 minutes per pound. Food thawed this way should be cooked immediately.
Why not thaw on the counter?
Bacteria multiply quickly between 40 °F and 140 °F (4 to 60 °C), the danger zone. The outside of meat left on the counter can warm into that range while the middle is still frozen. Use the refrigerator, cold water or the microwave.
How long can thawed meat stay in the refrigerator?
USDA says ground meat, poultry and fish stay good for 1 to 2 additional days after thawing in the refrigerator, and beef, pork and lamb roasts, steaks and chops for 3 to 5 days. Meat thawed in the refrigerator can also be refrozen without cooking, though quality may suffer.
Can I cook meat from frozen?
Yes, it is safe, but it takes about 50% longer than the usual cooking time. This calculator is only for thawing first.