Cooking Time Scaler Formula

Understand the math behind the cooking time scaler. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Cooking Time Scaler

Formulas Used

Minutes Per Pound

minutes_per_lb = time_per_lb

Estimated New Time

new_time_min = time_per_lb * new_weight

New Time (hours)

new_time_hours = (time_per_lb * new_weight) / 60

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
original_weightOriginal Weight(lb)4
original_time_minOriginal Cooking Time(min)120
new_weightNew Weight(lb)6
time_per_lbMinutes per pound= original_time_min / original_weightcalculated

How It Works

How to Scale Cooking Time

Formula

Minutes Per Pound = Original Time / Original Weight

New Time = Minutes Per Pound x New Weight

This provides a linear estimate. For very large roasts, cooking time per pound may decrease slightly because the oven maintains a constant temperature.

Important

Always use a meat thermometer. Time estimates are guidelines; internal temperature is the definitive measure of doneness.

Worked Example

A 4 lb roast takes 120 minutes. How long for a 6 lb roast?

original_weight = 4original_time_min = 120new_weight = 6
  1. 01Minutes per pound: 120 / 4 = 30 min/lb.
  2. 02New time: 30 x 6 = 180 minutes (3 hours).
  3. 03Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Cooking Time Scaler