Thanksgiving by the Numbers -- 40 Statistics & Data

Approximately 46 million. This represents about 20% of annual U.S. turkey consumption.

About 15 pounds. Most families purchase birds between 12 and 22 pounds.

Approximately 6 billion pounds. The U.S. is one of the world's largest turkey producers.

About 16-18 pounds per person per year. Thanksgiving drives a significant portion of this.

Between 3,000 and 4,500 calories. This includes appetizers, dinner, dessert, and drinks throughout the day.

About $60-70 for 10 people. The American Farm Bureau Federation tracks this annually.

Approximately 55 million Americans. It is the busiest travel period of the year.

About 30 million. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the busiest airport day.

Approximately 50 million. Pumpkin pie is the most popular Thanksgiving dessert.

Approximately 50 million pounds. Mashed potatoes are a staple side dish.

Over 20 million. About 40% of American households serve the dish.

About 400-500 million pounds annually. Wisconsin produces over 60% of the total.

About 50 million. It is one of the most-watched television events of the year.

Approximately 3.5 million. Spectators line the streets of New York City.

Three. The Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, and a third primetime matchup.

Over 100 million. Black Friday remains one of the biggest shopping days.

Approximately $25-30 billion annually. This includes airfare, gas, hotels, and meals.

Two. Since 1989, the president has pardoned two turkeys annually.

Approximately 5,000-6,000. A full-grown turkey is covered in thousands of feathers.

Up to 25 mph. Wild turkeys are surprisingly fast on the ground.

About 100 yards. They can fly short distances at speeds up to 55 mph.

About 18-20 weeks. Modern domestic turkeys reach market weight in under 5 months.

49 states. Alaska is the only state without wild turkeys.

Approximately 3 billion pounds annually. North Carolina produces about half.

About $300-400 total. Including food, travel, decorations, and incidentals.

Approximately 50-60 million. Pumpkin, pecan, and apple dominate.

Approximately 200 million pounds. The NRDC estimates massive food waste.

Millions. Thanksgiving and Christmas see the highest volunteer rates.

Over 100,000 annually. The hotline has operated since 1981.

The record is 86 pounds. Most commercial turkeys weigh 15-30 pounds.

Since 1924 — over 100 years. It is one of America's oldest traditions.

Approximately 16-20 giant balloons. The number varies by year.

Approximately 16-20 floats. Each takes months to design and build.

50-100 handlers. Each balloon requires a large team for safe navigation.

Thousands. A single giant balloon can require 10,000+ cubic feet.

Over 1,000 nationwide. Turkey Trots have become a massive Thanksgiving morning tradition.

Over 1 million annually. The races attract runners of all abilities.

Since 1934, with a WWII interruption. Nearly 90 years of Thanksgiving football.

About 25-30 of the 102 passengers. Millions of Americans claim Mayflower ancestry.

Over 500 unique questions across all categories. This site is the most comprehensive Thanksgiving trivia resource online.