How Long to Thaw a 20 lb Turkey in the Fridge
A 20-pound turkey takes approximately 4 to 5 days to thaw safely in the refrigerator.
How to use this tool
- Enter turkey weight and thaw method in the fields above.
- Results update instantly as you type — or click Calculate.
- Read your thaw time and the full breakdown beneath it.
A 20-pound turkey needs up to 5 days to thaw in the fridge, so start thawing by Saturday for Thanksgiving Thursday.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to thaw a 15 lb turkey in the fridge?
- A 15 lb turkey takes approximately 4 days (96 hours) to thaw in the refrigerator, using the USDA guideline of 1 day per 4–5 pounds.
- Can I thaw a turkey in cold water overnight?
- You can use cold water (30 min/lb, changing water every 30 min), but this requires continuous attention. Cook immediately after thawing. Never use warm water.