Cooking Time Calculator
Roasting Time Is Mostly a Function of Weight
Roasting charts exist because, for a given oven temperature and cut, cooking time scales fairly predictably with weight — expressed as minutes per pound. It's a planning tool, not a substitute for checking doneness: oven calibration, starting temperature of the meat, and pan shape all shift the actual time somewhat, which is why every serious cooking reference pairs a time estimate with a target internal temperature.
The Formula
This is a general rule-of-thumb roasting guideline, not a food-safety guarantee — always confirm doneness with a food thermometer and follow USDA minimum internal temperatures rather than relying on time alone.
Where This Matters
- Meal timing — working backward from a dinner time to figure out when a roast needs to go in the oven.
- Holiday cooking — planning oven schedules when a turkey, ham, and side dishes all need the oven at different times.
- New cuts — getting a starting estimate for a cut or bird size you haven't cooked before.
Reference Roasting Rates
| Food | Rate | Oven temp |
|---|---|---|
| Beef roast (medium) | ~20 min/lb | 350°F |
| Pork roast | ~25 min/lb | 350°F |
| Whole chicken | ~20 min/lb | 350°F |
| Whole turkey (unstuffed) | ~13 min/lb | 325°F |
| Precooked ham | ~18 min/lb | 325°F |
| Lamb roast | ~20 min/lb | 325°F |
These are average rates from common roasting guidelines; actual time varies with oven accuracy, starting temperature, and cut shape.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the food type from the list — beef roast, pork roast, whole chicken, whole turkey, precooked ham, or lamb roast.
- Enter the weight in pounds.
- Select Calculate to get an estimated total roasting time.
Related Calculations
Once you know the target oven temperature, check it against a different scale with the Oven Temperature Converter, or plan servings with the Portion Size Calculator.