When Thanksgiving or a big family dinner rolls around, turkey is often the star of the show. But have you ever wondered how much those turkey bones actually weigh? Whether you’re planning to make a hearty broth, calculate food waste, or simply satisfy your curiosity, knowing the weight of turkey bones can be surprisingly useful. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about turkey bones, including their average weight, how to estimate bone weight from a whole turkey, and tips for making the most of your leftovers.
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Understanding Turkey Bone Weight
After carving up your delicious roast turkey, you’re left with a pile of bones and maybe some scraps. But how much do those bones weigh compared to the whole bird? On average, turkey bones make up about 15-20% of the total weight of a whole raw turkey. This means if you start with a 12-pound (about 5.4 kg) turkey, you can expect the bones alone to weigh roughly 1.8 to 2.4 pounds (0.8 to 1.1 kg).
- Small turkeys (8-10 lbs): Bones weigh about 1.2 to 2 lbs.
- Medium turkeys (12-16 lbs): Bones weigh about 1.8 to 3.2 lbs.
- Large turkeys (18-24 lbs): Bones weigh about 2.7 to 4.8 lbs.
Why Does Bone Weight Matter?
Knowing the weight of turkey bones is helpful for several reasons:
- Meal Planning: Helps estimate how much edible meat you’ll get from your turkey.
- Stock Making: Lets you plan how much broth you can make from the leftover bones.
- Waste Management: Useful for composting or minimizing kitchen waste.
How to Estimate Turkey Bone Weight at Home
-
Weigh Your Turkey Before Cooking:
If you have a kitchen scale, weigh your raw turkey before it goes in the oven. -
Carve and Remove All Edible Meat:
After cooking, carefully carve off all the meat, leaving only bones and inedible parts. -
Weigh the Remaining Bones:
Place the leftover bones on your kitchen scale. This gives you the actual bone weight. -
No Scale? Use Estimates:
If you don’t have a scale, use the 15-20% rule. For example, with a 14-pound turkey, bone weight will be around 2.1 to 2.8 pounds.
What’s Left After Carving a Turkey?
After you’ve carved up your turkey for serving, here’s what’s typically left:
- Bones: The frame, legs, wings, and sometimes neck.
- Skin: Often left behind if not eaten.
- Cartilage and Tendons: The chewy bits that aren’t usually served.
- Small Meat Scraps: Bits of meat still clinging to the bones—perfect for making soup!
How Much Edible Meat vs. Bones?
The amount of edible meat you get from a whole turkey depends on its size and how well it’s carved. Generally, about 60-65% of a turkey’s weight is edible meat, while the rest is bones, skin, and other inedible parts.
- Example: A 16-pound turkey yields about 10-10.5 pounds of cooked meat and 2.5-3 pounds of bones.
Making the Most of Leftover Turkey Bones
Don’t toss those bones! They’re packed with flavor and nutrients perfect for homemade broths and stocks. Here’s how to put them to good use:
How to Make Turkey Stock
- Add leftover bones to a large pot or slow cooker.
- Add water until bones are just covered.
- Toss in aromatics like onions, carrots, celery, garlic, herbs (bay leaf, thyme, parsley), salt, and pepper.
- Simmer gently for at least 4 hours (or up to overnight for richer stock).
- Strain out solids and store your homemade stock in jars or freezer bags.
Benefits of Using Turkey Bones
- Nutrient-Rich Broth: Packed with collagen and minerals that support joint health and immunity.
- Saves Money: Homemade stock is cheaper than store-bought versions.
- Reduces Food Waste: Makes use of every part of your turkey.
Turkey Bone Weight: Quick Reference Table
| Turkey Size (lbs) | Bones Weight (lbs) | Bones Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 1.2 – 1.6 | 0.54 – 0.73 |
| 12 | 1.8 – 2.4 | 0.82 – 1.09 |
| 16 | 2.4 – 3.2 | 1.09 – 1.45 |
| 20 | 3 – 4 | 1.36 – 1.81 |
| 24 | 3.6 – 4.8 | 1.63 – 2.18 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Bones
Do cooked turkey bones weigh less than raw bones?
Slightly! Cooking removes moisture and fat, so cooked bones are a bit lighter than raw ones—but not by much.
Can I use all parts of the turkey for stock?
Absolutely! Use bones, skin, cartilage, and any leftover bits for a richer flavor.
Are turkey bones safe for pets?
No—cooked poultry bones can splinter and cause serious harm to pets. Always discard them safely.
How long can I store leftover turkey bones?
You can keep bones in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for several months until you’re ready to make stock.
How much stock will my turkey bones make?
A typical set of bones from a medium-sized turkey makes about one gallon (about four liters) of stock.
Final Thoughts
The next time you cook a turkey, take a moment to appreciate those bones—they’re more than just leftovers! By understanding how much they weigh and how to use them wisely, you’ll get more value from every bird and create delicious homemade stocks that elevate your meals all year round.