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Meat Internal Temperature Guide (USDA + Doneness)

Cooking & Kitchen· 5 tools

Free meat temperature reference. Look up the internal temperature for any meat by type and doneness. Shows both the USDA safe minimum (for food safety) and common chef doneness levels (rare → medium → well done) where applicable. Toggle between Fahrenheit and Celsius.

Safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS, plus chef's doneness ranges for whole-muscle cuts.

Whole beef — steak, roast (USDA safe)USDA: 145°F
Rare125°F
Cool red center
Medium rare130°F
Warm red center
Medium140°F
Pink center
Medium well150°F
Well done160°F
Ground beefUSDA: 160°F

Must hit 160°F throughout — bacteria are mixed in, not only on the surface

Whole pork — chops, roast, tenderloinUSDA: 145°F
Medium (modern USDA)145°F
3-minute rest
Well done160°F
Ground porkUSDA: 160°F
Ham (fresh, raw)USDA: 145°F
Ham (fully cooked, reheat)USDA: 140°F
Chicken — breast, whole, groundUSDA: 165°F

Thigh/dark meat often better at 175°F for tenderness

Turkey — whole, breast, groundUSDA: 165°F
Duck breastUSDA: 165°F
Medium rare (chef)135°F
Common in restaurants; USDA still says 165°F
Medium145°F
Well165°F
Whole lamb — chop, roastUSDA: 145°F
Rare125°F
Medium rare130°F
Medium140°F
Well160°F
Ground lambUSDA: 160°F
Fin fish (salmon, tuna, cod)USDA: 145°F
Rare (tuna)110°F
Medium rare (salmon)120°F
Flaky / opaque145°F
Shrimp, lobster, crab, scallopsUSDA: 145°F

Opaque and firm — USDA says 145°F internal

Egg dishes (casseroles)USDA: 160°F
Leftovers & casseroles (reheat)USDA: 165°F

Pull meat off the heat 3–5°F below your target — carryover cooking continues inside during a 5–15 minute rest. Always verify with an instant-read probe thermometer in the thickest part, avoiding bone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

References

References and sources

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