Cooking Time Calculator
Estimate safe cooking times based on food type, size, and cooking method. Get realistic time ranges instead of guessing. Perfect for meat, vegetables, grains, and more.
Cooking Time Calculator
Tell us what you're cooking, we'll guide the time
1 What are you cooking?
Chicken
Breast, thigh, whole
Beef
Steak, roast, ground
Pork
Chops, tenderloin, ribs
Fish
Fillets, steaks, whole
Vegetables
Broccoli, carrots, potatoes
Rice & Grains
Rice, quinoa, pasta
Eggs
Boiled, fried, baked
Other
Custom food type
Select a cooking method above to enable calculation
Food Safety First
- Always use a food thermometer to check internal temperatures for meat and poultry
- These are estimated time ranges only - start checking food earlier than the minimum time
- Rest meat for 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute
- Frozen items may take 50% longer to cook than fresh or thawed
Cooking Time Calculator
Cooking times are rarely one-size-fits-all. A thicker piece of meat, a larger batch, or a different cooking method can change everything. That's why relying only on the time written in a recipe often leads to food that's overcooked or not quite done.
This Cooking Time Calculator is designed to help you make smarter adjustments. You select what you're cooking, how big it is, and how you plan to cook it. The calculator then gives you a realistic time range and tells you when to start checking your food.
Instead of strict numbers, the calculator focuses on safe and practical guidance. It understands that cooking is flexible, and it helps you adapt without stress. The layout is clean and easy to follow, even when you're cooking and don't want to scroll through long instructions.
This tool works for everyday meals, meal prep, and learning how different cooking methods affect timing. It's useful whether you're cooking for yourself or feeding a group.
With clear inputs and sensible results, this Cooking Time Calculator helps you cook with more confidence and fewer mistakes.
How to Use the Cooking Time Calculator
Choose Food Type
Select what you're cooking from the food categories
Set Size & Method
Adjust size and choose your cooking method
Get Time Range
Receive safe cooking time estimates
Common Cooking Time Examples
Here are typical cooking time ranges for common foods and cooking methods. These are estimates that can vary based on equipment, starting temperature, and desired doneness.
| Food Item | Size/Portion | Cooking Method | Estimated Time | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 6-8 oz each | Baking | 20-25 minutes | 375°F (190°C) | Internal temp 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes. |
| Beef Steak (1" thick) | 8-10 oz | Grilling | 4-6 minutes per side | High heat | Medium-rare: 130°F, Medium: 140°F |
| Salmon Fillet | 6 oz each | Baking | 12-15 minutes | 400°F (200°C) | Internal temp 145°F. Don't overcook. |
| Pork Tenderloin | 1-1.5 lbs | Roasting | 20-25 minutes | 425°F (220°C) | Internal temp 145°F. Rest 3 minutes. |
| Broccoli Florets | 1 lb | Steaming | 5-7 minutes | Medium heat | Bright green, still crisp. Don't overcook. |
| White Rice | 1 cup uncooked | Boiling | 15-20 minutes | Simmer | 2:1 water ratio. Fluff after cooking. |
| Baked Potato | 8-10 oz each | Baking | 45-60 minutes | 400°F (200°C) | Test with fork. Wrap in foil for softer skin. |
| Eggs (Large) | 4-6 eggs | Boiling - Hard | 9-12 minutes | Rolling boil | Plunge in ice water after cooking. |
| Ground Beef | 1 lb | Pan Frying | 7-10 minutes | Medium-high | Break up while cooking. Drain fat if needed. |
| Whole Chicken | 4-5 lbs | Roasting | 75-90 minutes | 375°F (190°C) | Internal temp 165°F. Rest 15 minutes. |
| Pork Ribs | 2-3 lbs | Slow Cooking | 6-8 hours | Low heat | Fall-off-the-bone tender. Check after 6 hours. |
| Brown Rice | 1 cup uncooked | Pressure Cooking | 20-25 minutes | High pressure | Natural release. Much faster than boiling. |
| Carrots (sliced) | 1 lb | Roasting | 20-30 minutes | 425°F (220°C) | Toss with oil. Stir halfway through. |
* Times are estimates and can vary based on equipment, altitude, and specific conditions. Always use a food thermometer for meat safety.
Meat Cooking Tips
Always use a meat thermometer. Chicken and pork should reach 165°F (74°C), beef varies by preference (125-145°F or 52-63°C).
Vegetable Cooking
Cook vegetables until just tender but still bright. Overcooking reduces nutrients and changes texture dramatically.