A roasting pan about 16 inches long and 13 inches wide fits a turkey up to 20 pounds. For anything smaller, a 14 to 16 inch pan works. For anything larger, measure the pan’s inside dimensions before you commit, because the labels on larger pans vary by brand.
The pan only needs to hold the bird, its rack, and the juices it releases. Williams-Sonoma and Anolon publish nearly the same minimums. The 12 to 20 lb rows in the chart below follow them, and the first and last rows are estimates.
What size roasting pan do you need by turkey weight?
Match the bird’s weight to the pan’s inside length and width, then check the sides. This chart uses conservative figures, so a pan that meets the minimum will hold the bird without crowding.
| Turkey weight | Minimum pan size (inside) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 12 lb | About 14 inches long | A shallow 12 inch wide pan is enough |
| 12 to 16 lb | 15¾ by 12 inches | A 16 inch pan gives more room |
| 16 to 20 lb | 16 by 13 inches | Leave a finger or two of space on each side |
| 20 to 24 lb | 18 inches long | Confirm the brand’s stated turkey limit |
| Over 24 lb | Not covered here | Consider cutting the bird into parts |
The 16 by 13 inch minimum for up to 20 pounds comes from Anolon’s roaster guidance and matches the Williams-Sonoma turkey roasting tip. Made In says its own 18 inch pan fits a turkey up to 24 pounds, which is a brand claim for that one pan. Treat the 20 to 24 pound row as a reason to check, not a promise.
Some 16-inch pans are rated for only 18 pounds, so the maker’s stated limit overrides this chart.
If a pan’s listing says “fits a turkey up to 18 lb,” trust that number over the length alone. The stainless steel roasting pans we compared list their rated sizes for this reason.
How do you measure your oven and your bird?
Measure the oven first, because a pan that does not fit the oven is the wrong pan at any size. Set the rack where you plan to roast, then measure the width and depth of the open space and the height above the rack.
Use a tape measure on the turkey itself in three steps.
- Measure the bird’s length from breast to tail, including the legs if you leave them tucked.
- Add 2 to 4 inches so hot air can move around both ends.
- Compare that number with the pan’s inside length, not its outside length with handles.
Handles add several inches to a pan’s label length. A roaster sold as 16 inches may measure less inside the walls, so look for the interior figure or measure it yourself.
Does pan depth or a rack matter?
Yes. A pan with sides about 2 to 3 inches deep holds the drippings without letting the bird sit in them, and a rack lifts the turkey above that liquid so the skin can brown.
Very tall sides shield the lower part of the bird from the oven’s heat. A very shallow pan lets juices overflow when the turkey releases a lot of liquid. The USDA also advises setting the bird on a rack in a shallow roasting pan, and its guidance notes that pan color, pan size, foil tents and lids all change the cooking time. Check the turkey with a thermometer in the innermost thigh, the wing, and the thickest part of the breast, and look for 165°F.
Rack height matters for fit. Add the rack’s height to the bird’s height, then check that the top of the turkey clears the oven’s upper element or rack by a few inches.
When is a stainless steel roasting pan worth buying?
A stainless steel roasting pan is worth buying if you roast a large bird or a big roast every year and want a pan that also works for gravy. The browned bits left in the pan dissolve into a sauce on the stovetop, which a disposable pan cannot do.
It also avoids a coating that can scratch under a heavy bird and a metal rack. Our guide to the best stainless steel roasting pans names the models that fit a turkey, and it explains which ones work on induction cooktops.
Once the pan is chosen, you still have to lift the bird out of it. A pair of turkey lifters handles that, and the guide to making gravy in the pan covers the next step.
What can you use if you do not own a roasting pan?
A deep, sturdy pan with a wire rack can do the job for a small bird. Our list of what to use instead of a roasting pan walks through the safe options, including which ones cannot hold a whole turkey.
If your bird is too large for your usual cookware, a stainless steel braiser is usually too small for a whole turkey, but it can handle a turkey breast or parts.
Frequently asked questions
What size roasting pan for a 20 lb turkey?
A pan 16 by 13 inches inside is the usual minimum for a 20 pound turkey. An 18 inch pan gives more room, which helps if the bird sits high on a rack.
Can a turkey be too big for the pan?
Yes. If the legs or breast touch the sides, hot air cannot move around the bird and it browns unevenly. A bird that overhangs the pan can also drip onto the oven floor.
Does a roasting pan need a lid?
No. A lid traps steam and speeds cooking, which changes the timing and keeps the skin from crisping. Most turkey recipes roast uncovered, with foil added only if the skin browns too quickly.
Can I use a disposable pan instead?
Yes, for a smaller bird, if you support it from underneath. Disposable pans flex under the weight of a large turkey, so slide a baking sheet under the pan before you lift it.
