Pounds to buy per guest
| What you buy | Per person (raw) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Whole turkey | 1 lb | USDA, Nebraska Extension |
| Whole turkey, no leftovers | ¾ lb | MU Extension |
| Whole turkey, with leftovers | 1½ lb | Butterball (as quoted in press) |
| Bone-in breast | ¾ lb | Nebraska and MU Extension |
| Boneless breast | ½ lb | Nebraska and MU Extension |
The weight is the label weight, bones included. Kids count as about half in the planner.
When to buy two birds
USDA charts stop at 24 lb. Above that, two smaller birds cook more evenly and fit the fridge for thawing. For frying, USDA says 12 lb or less.