Cooking a traditional Sunday roast isn’t difficult - it’s all about timing everything so it lands on the table at once. Select your meat, vegetables and extras, enter the time you want to serve, and the calculator works out the exact start time for every dish.
Note: This chart is provided as a guide only. If you’re in any doubt as to whether your poultry or pork is cooked properly, continue cooking until juices run clear, or ideally use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature has reached at least 70 degrees Celsius.
How to time a roast dinner
The secret to a stress-free Sunday roast is working backwards from your serving time. Once you know what time you want to eat, you can calculate exactly when every element needs to go in the oven, on the hob, or in the steamer. That's what this calculator does - just enter your serving time, tick your dishes, and the chart appears instantly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a roast chicken take to cook?
Allow 25 minutes per pound (550g) plus 25 minutes at 190°C / 375°F / Gas Mark 5. A typical 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) chicken takes around 1 hour 40 minutes. Always check the juices run clear or that the thickest part of the thigh reaches 75°C with a meat thermometer.
How long does a roast beef joint take?
Cook at 200°C / 400°F / Gas Mark 6 for 25 minutes per pound plus 25 minutes for medium. Rest the joint for at least 20 minutes before carving - this is already built into the timing chart.
How long do roast potatoes take?
Par-boil for 10 minutes, drain and fluff, then roast in very hot fat for around 55–65 minutes, turning once halfway. They need a 220°C oven to get properly crispy - so if you're cooking your meat at a lower temperature, this is where a second oven (or a high-heat blast at the end) comes in handy.
When should I make the gravy?
The best gravy is made from the meat resting juices, so it's one of the last things you tackle - typically in the 15–20 minutes while the joint rests. For a stress-free approach, make a get-ahead gravy base the day before and simply enrich it with the pan juices on the day.
Can I cook multiple dishes in one oven?
Yes - most side dishes are happy at the same temperature as the meat with a few minutes' adjustment. However, Yorkshire puddings and roast potatoes want a very hot oven (220°C+), which can clash with a slow-roasted joint. The two-oven mode in this calculator automatically flags which dishes need a different temperature and assigns them to a second oven.
What can I prepare the day before?
Plenty - which is how restaurants manage it. Braised red cabbage, cauliflower cheese, stuffing and get-ahead gravy all reheat beautifully. Items marked ★ Make ahead in this calculator can be fully prepared the day before and simply warmed through on the day.