Cooking Time Calculator

Calculate perfect cooking times for meat, poultry, and other foods based on weight, cooking method, and desired doneness. Never over or undercook your meals again!

Cooking Time Calculator

Select your food type, enter the weight, and choose your desired doneness to calculate perfect cooking times:

Metric (kg, °C)
Imperial (lbs, °F)

🔥 Pro Tip

Always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness. Internal temperature is more accurate than cooking time alone. Let meat rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking for juicier results.

Your cooking results will appear here after calculation.

We’ll show recommended cooking time, internal temperature, and resting time.

Recommended Cooking Time

0 minutes

For your food weighing 0 kg

Internal Temperature

0°C

Target internal temperature for your desired doneness

Resting Time

0 minutes

Allow your food to rest after cooking for juicier results

Cooking Instructions

Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature. Place food in the center of the oven. Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only. Actual cooking times may vary based on your equipment, the specific cut of meat, and other factors. Always use a food thermometer to ensure food has reached a safe internal temperature. The USDA recommends cooking poultry to 165°F (74°C), ground meats to 160°F (71°C), and beef steaks/roasts to 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest time.

About This Cooking Time Calculator

Our Cooking Time Calculator uses established culinary formulas and guidelines from professional chefs to provide accurate cooking time estimates for various foods :cite[1]:cite[9].

The calculations are based on the formula: Cooking Time = Weight × Time per Unit Weight × Adjustment Factors

Adjustment factors include:

• Food type and cut
• Cooking method
• Desired doneness
• Oven temperature
• Starting temperature (refrigerated vs. room temperature)

This tool is particularly useful for:

• Home cooks planning meals
• Thanksgiving turkey preparation
• Sunday roast timing
• Meal prep and planning
• Ensuring food safety through proper cooking

How to Use This Calculator

Follow these steps to get the most accurate cooking time estimates:

1. Select your preferred measurement system (Metric or Imperial)
2. Choose the type of food you’re cooking
3. Enter the weight of your food
4. Select your cooking method (oven, grill, smoker, etc.)
5. For meats, select your desired doneness level
6. Enter your cooking temperature
7. Click “Calculate Cooking Time” to see your results

Tips for Best Results

• Weigh your food accurately for precise calculations
• Preheat your oven or cooking device before adding food
• Use a meat thermometer to verify internal temperature
• Allow for resting time after cooking (included in calculations)
• Consider the starting temperature of your food (refrigerated items take longer)

📝 Note

Bone-in cuts typically require longer cooking times than boneless cuts. Stuffed meats also require additional cooking time. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer.

Benefits of Using a Cooking Time Calculator

Calculating precise cooking times offers several advantages:

• Perfect Results: Avoid undercooked or overcooked food with accurate time estimates
• Food Safety: Ensure foods reach safe internal temperatures to prevent foodborne illness
• Meal Planning: Coordinate multiple dishes to finish cooking at the same time
• Energy Efficiency: Minimize oven time by calculating precise cooking durations
• Consistency: Achieve consistent results every time you cook
• Confidence: Cook new foods with confidence using science-based calculations

Understanding Cooking Times

Cooking times vary based on several factors :cite[1]:

• Food density: Denser foods like potatoes take longer to cook than less dense foods like fish
• Size and thickness: Thicker pieces require longer cooking times
• Bone content: Bone-in meats take longer to cook than boneless cuts
• Starting temperature: refrigerated foods take longer than room-temperature foods
• Oven accuracy: Oven temperatures can vary significantly from their settings

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this cooking time calculator?

Our calculator provides estimates based on standard cooking formulas and averages. However, actual cooking times can vary based on your specific equipment, the exact cut of meat, and other factors. Always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness, especially for large cuts of meat or poultry :cite[4]:cite[9].

Why does cooking time vary based on oven temperature?

Higher oven temperatures cook food faster, while lower temperatures take longer. However, different foods respond differently to temperature changes. Delicate foods like cakes and soufflés require specific temperatures for proper rising and texture, while meats can often be cooked at various temperatures with adjusted times :cite[1].

Can I cook something at a higher temperature for less time?

Yes, for many foods you can increase the temperature and decrease the time. However, this works best for smaller, thinner cuts of food. For large roasts or whole birds, cooking at too high a temperature can result in burnt exteriors and raw interiors. As a general rule, you can increase oven temperature by 25°F (15°C) and decrease time by about 25% for smaller items :cite[1].

How do I adjust cooking times for multiple items in the oven?

When cooking multiple items, the oven temperature should be set based on the most delicate item or the one requiring the lowest temperature. Other items will take longer to cook. Allow for increased cooking time (typically 10-25% longer) and rotate items halfway through cooking for even results :cite[1].

Why is resting time important after cooking?

Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicier, more flavorful results. During cooking, juices move toward the center of the meat. Resting allows these juices to flow back toward the surface. As a general rule, rest meat for about 10-20% of the total cooking time :cite[4].