How Many Slices of Turkey is 2 oz? Answered!

November 1, 2023
Written by Kristy J. Norton
Edited by John Smits 

If the turkey slice is thinly sliced lunchmeat, 4 slices will weigh around 2 ounces. If the turkey slice is hand-carved off a bird for Thanksgiving, a single slice will likely weigh around 2 ounces. Use your kitchen scale if you want an exact answer. How many slices of turkey weigh 2 ounces depends on the thickness of the slice, so it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact number.

Turkey is one of my all-time favorite birds to cook. I like to throw it on my smoker to take the flavor to the next level. I’ve carved more turkeys than I can count, and I know how important it is to get that perfect slice.

I'll be answering all of your burning questions regarding turkey weight, and, as a bonus, I’ll show you how I measure the slices.

How many slices of turkey is 2 oz

How Many Slices of Turkey is 2 Oz?

Typically, one thick slice of turkey or 4 thin slices is around 2 ounces. I busted out my kitchen scale - 4 slices of Hillshire Farms turkey weighed in at EXACTLY 2 ounces.

That said, it's difficult to answer precisely because the size and thickness of the turkey slices can vary. 

From my professional experience, 2 ounces of sliced turkey equals about 3 or 4 thin slices or 1 to 2 thicker slices. 

Here are a few additional tips on the weight of turkey slices, and a quick slicing guide:

  • If you are slicing a whole cooked turkey, it is best to start by removing the breast meat and slicing it against the grain. Cutting against the grain makes meat taste more tender because it shortens muscle fibers.
  • Deli turkey is already cooked and usually sliced thin. If you’ve got deli turkey, 2 ounces of it is likely to be 3 or 4 slices (although “thick-cut” deli meats are becoming more popular - check the labeling to figure out how much each slice weighs).
  • If you are slicing a turkey that you have cooked yourself, you control the thickness of the slice. A thicker piece will contain more meat, while a thinner portion will contain less.

How to Measure Sliced Turkey?

I recommend measuring sliced turkey by placing the pieces on a kitchen scale. Simply place the slices on the scale and read the weight in ounces or grams. This is the most accurate way to measure turkey quantity.

Knowing how much turkey you’ve got is important. It will help you plan your meals and ensure you have enough turkey for the number of people you are serving. If you’re preparing a whole turkey, 1 pound per person is a good rule of thumb.

Wooden Board With Slices of Turkey Breast

How Many Slices of Turkey Is a Serving Size?

A serving of turkey is typically 3 ounces, which is equivalent to about 3 or 4 thin slices or 1 or 2 thicker slices.

However, the actual number of slices you get from a 3-ounce serving size of turkey will depend on the thickness of the slices and the type of turkey you are using.

I suggest the following tips for serving turkey:

  1. If you are serving sliced turkey as part of a meal, 3 ounces per person is a good general guideline. You can adjust the amount up or down depending on the size of the servings you want to serve, as well as the other items you are serving with the turkey.
  2. If you are serving a whole cooked turkey, a good rule of thumb is to plan for about 1 pound of turkey per person. This typically provides enough turkey for each person to have a 3-ounce serving, with some leftovers. 
  3. If you are serving turkey as part of a holiday feast, having extra on hand is a good idea. This will allow for seconds and leftovers.

How Many Oz is a Slice of Deli Meat?

A single slice of deli meat weighs around ½ an ounce.

The number of slices of 2 ounces of deli turkey depends on the type of meat and the thickness of the slices.

2 ounces is equivalent to about 4 thinly sliced deli turkey cuts or 1 or 2 thicker slices. However, the actual number of slices you get may be more or less, depending on the thickness of the slices.

Here are a few additional tips when buying deli meat:

  1. If you're purchasing deli turkey that isn’t already sliced, you can ask the person behind the counter to slice it to your desired thickness.
  2. Some deli meats, such as ham or turkey, are typically sliced thin. Others, such as roast beef or pastrami, are often sliced thicker. You can choose the type of meat and the slices’ thickness based on your preference.

What's the Number of Slices You Need to Make Turkey Sandwiches?

On average, you need 2-4 slices of cooked meat for a medium-sized sandwich. This will be around 2 oz, which is considered 1 serving of turkey. That said, it’s a free country - if you want more or less turkey, go nuts! 

You’ve come to the right place - I’m a sandwich expert, just ask my kids. The size of your bun or bread will impact the amount of turkey you’ll want on there. A footlong sub will need more meat than a slider.

The following details the number of slices I use to make sandwiches:

  • For a small sandwich, I usually use 1 to 2 slices of smoked or roasted turkey.
  • For a medium sandwich, I usually use 2 to 4 slices of smoked or roasted turkey.
  • For a large sandwich, I usually use 4 to 6 slices of smoked or roasted turkey.
Cold Cut Turkey Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread with Swiss Cheese

If you're using thin slices of cooked meat, you may need to use more slices to get the desired amount of protein.

If you are using thick slices, you may be able to use fewer slices to get the same amount of protein.

Are Deli Turkey Slices Healthy?

Deli turkey slices can be a part of a healthy diet, but it's essential to consider the overall nutritional value and portion size. Consult your doctor or dietician if you’ve got more questions or are concerned about your diet and health.

Turkey is a good source of protein and can be a leaner alternative to roast beef. Deli turkey is processed meat containing added sodium and preservatives. These additives increase the sodium content of the meat, which can be a concern for people with high blood pressure or those following a low-sodium diet.

For example, a smoked turkey breast typically has less sodium than a sliced deli turkey. A 2-ounce serving of smoked turkey breast has about 56 mg of sodium, while the same serving size of deli turkey contains about 466 milligrams of sodium! That’s an eye-popping level of sodium.  

To make sure you're choosing a healthy option, consider deli turkey slices that are minimally processed and have no added preservatives.

It's also a good idea to pay attention to portion size and to balance your intake of deli turkey with other nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.

Conclusion 

It's hard to get a straightforward answer to the question "How many slices of turkey is 2 oz?" or "How many ounces is a standard slice of deli turkey?" but I’ve got you! 1 or 2 thick cuts weigh 2 oz, and 3 or 4 thinner cuts weigh 2 oz.

There you have it - now you’re an expert on turkey slicing and weight! Happy cooking.

By Kristy J. Norton
I'm Kristy – a chef and connoisseur of all things BBQ! You can find me either in my kitchen (or someone else's) or at a big outdoor barbecue surrounded by friends and family. In both my professional and personal life I’ve picked up more than a few tips and tricks for turning out delicious food. I consider it a privilege to share it with others!
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