Thawing Time Calculator
Enter the food and its weight to compare refrigerator and cold-water thawing times, then set when you plan to cook to see the latest time to start thawing.
Safest method. Keep the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below and put the food on a tray on the bottom shelf.
Seal in a leak-proof bag, submerge in cold tap water and change the water every 30 minutes. Cook immediately after thawing.
Food safety
- Never thaw on the counter, in hot water or outdoors. The outside can sit in the 40–140°F (4–60°C) danger zone while the center is still frozen.
- Cook cold-water or microwave-thawed food immediately. Microwave thawing works for small pieces; follow your microwave's defrost setting and cook right away.
- Fridge-thawed poultry, ground meat and fish keep 1–2 more days; roasts, steaks and chops 3–5 days.
- It is safe to cook from frozen. Allow about 50% more cooking time.
How to use the Thawing Time Calculator
- Choose the food you are thawing.
- Enter the weight in pounds or kilograms.
- Set when you plan to start cooking.
- Press Calculate to compare refrigerator and cold-water thawing, with the latest time to start each.
- Follow the safety notes: thaw in the fridge or cold water, never on the counter, and cook cold-water-thawed food right away.
Turkey thawing times (USDA)
| Turkey weight | In the refrigerator | In cold water |
|---|---|---|
| 4–12 lb (1.8–5.4 kg) | 1–3 days | 2–6 hours |
| 12–16 lb (5.4–7.3 kg) | 3–4 days | 6–8 hours |
| 16–20 lb (7.3–9.1 kg) | 4–5 days | 8–10 hours |
| 20–24 lb (9.1–10.9 kg) | 5–6 days | 10–12 hours |
Example: a 16 lb turkey needs 16 ÷ 5 to 16 ÷ 4 = 3.2 to 4 days (77 to 96 hours) in the fridge. To roast it at 11 AM on Thursday, put it in the fridge by 11 AM on Sunday. In cold water it needs 16 × 30 minutes = 8 hours, so you would start at 3 AM on Thursday and change the water about 15 times.
Thawing other meats and fish
| Food | Refrigerator | Cold water | Keeps after fridge thawing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole chicken (3–5 lb) | About 1 day | 30 min per lb (2–3 hours) | 1–2 days |
| Chicken breasts or pieces | Overnight to 1 day | Up to 1 hour per lb | 1–2 days |
| Ground meat (1 lb) | Overnight to 1 day | About 1 hour or less | 1–2 days |
| Steaks and chops | 12–24 hours | Up to 1 hour per lb | 3–5 days |
| Beef, pork or lamb roast | 4–7 hours per lb | 30–45 min per lb | 3–5 days |
| Fish fillets | Overnight (8–12 hours) | Under 1 hour per lb | 1–2 days |
Thin, flat packages thaw much faster than thick ones, so freeze ground meat and chicken pieces flat. A crowded or very cold fridge (below 37°F / 3°C) can add time; plan an extra day for large items.
Safe ways to thaw
- Refrigerator: slowest but safest. Keep the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below and place the package on a tray or in a pan on the lowest shelf so juices cannot drip onto other food.
- Cold water: keep the food in a leak-proof plastic bag, submerge it completely in cold tap water and change the water every 30 minutes so it stays cold. Cook immediately after thawing.
- Microwave: fine for small cuts. Some areas may begin to cook, so cook the food immediately after thawing.
- Cook from frozen: safe for meat and poultry. Expect roughly 50% longer cooking time, and always check the safe internal temperature with a thermometer.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to thaw a turkey in the fridge?
The USDA recommends about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds in a refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. A 16 lb turkey takes about 3 to 4 days, and a 20 lb turkey 4 to 5 days.
How long does it take to thaw a turkey in cold water?
Allow about 30 minutes per pound. A 16 lb turkey takes about 8 hours. Keep the turkey in a leak-proof bag, submerge it in cold tap water and change the water every 30 minutes.
Can I thaw meat on the counter?
No. Food left at room temperature can warm into the danger zone of 40 to 140°F (4 to 60°C) on the outside while the center is still frozen, and bacteria can multiply quickly. Thaw in the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave.
Do I have to cook meat right after thawing it in cold water?
Yes. Food thawed in cold water or in the microwave should be cooked immediately. Food thawed in the refrigerator can be kept for a while: poultry, ground meat and fish for 1 to 2 days, and beef, pork or lamb roasts, steaks and chops for 3 to 5 days.
Can I cook a turkey from frozen?
Yes, it is safe to cook meat and poultry from frozen, but it takes about 50% longer than a thawed bird. Remove the giblet bag with tongs once it loosens during cooking.
Can I refreeze thawed meat?
Food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking, though quality may suffer. Food thawed in cold water or the microwave should be cooked before refreezing.