Forget the complicated math. For six adults, you want a turkey that weighs between 3.5 kg and 4.5 kg (that’s about 7.7 to 9.9 pounds, for our imperial friends). Think of it this way: you need roughly 600g to 750g per person. That sounds like a lot, but remember—bone weight and shrinkage during roasting are sneaky little thieves.
If you’re a light eater or you’re also serving a mountain of side dishes (mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce—the whole shebang), lean towards the 3.5 kg side. If your guests are carnivores who dream of leftovers, or if you really want those next-day turkey sandwiches, bump it up to 4.5 kg.
What If You’re Feeding a Hungry Crowd?
Got a table full of athletes, teenagers, or people who usually skip lunch? Then 4.5 kg is your sweet spot. No one ever complained about too much turkey. And if someone does, you can just point at the fridge and say, “Leftovers are the reward for being a good eater.” Actually, don’t say that. Just smile and offer them more gravy.
On the flip side, if your group is full of “I’ll just have a little slice” types, stick with 3.5 kg. A bird that size feeds six with just a polite amount of leftovers—enough for a sandwich or two, but not so much you’re eating turkey for a week.
