Minutes & Temps
Time your meal

Pork shoulder in the oven.3 h 22 min to 3 h 23 min at 350°F

Boston butt, 3-6 lb. A useful starting range, with the details that matter.

°F · oz/lb°C · g/kg

Make it your portion.

One piece or reference portion, rather than total basket load.
The source chart uses this temperature.

Changing the size or temperature gives a modelled estimate. How it works

Typical range

Pork shoulder, your setting

3 h 22 min to 3 h 23 min

at 350°F

Check at 202 min

Based on FoodSafety.gov: meat and poultry roasting charts.

Source entry: Boston butt. Portion controls describe one piece or planning portion; they are separate from the manufacturer’s total basket load.

From preheat to the final check.

  1. 1

    Preheat

    350°F; follow your appliance instructions.

  2. 2

    Cook

    3 h 22 min to 3 h 23 min; keep pieces evenly spaced.

  3. 3

    Check

    145°F at the center; Whole cuts of beef, pork and lamb.

  4. 4

    Rest

    At least 3 minutes after reaching the safe temperature.

A quick size comparison.

The source reference is marked below. Other rows are modelled estimates at your selected settings.

Pork shoulder cooking time by reference size
Reference sizeTypical timeBasis
3 lb2 h 15 minModel estimate
4.5 lb3 h 22 min to 3 h 23 minSource reference
6 lb4 h 30 minModel estimate

Same food. Different details.

Print the oven chartSafe internal temperature

A frozen estimate is not supported for this method. Thaw safely before using the reference range.

A few things worth knowing.

How long does pork shoulder take in the oven?

For Boston butt, 3-6 lb, the chart baseline is 45 minutes per lb at 350°F. Adjusted sizes and temperatures are modelled estimates.

What makes pork shoulder cook faster or slower?

Use evenly sized pieces so the center and outside finish closer together. Thickness, initial temperature and appliance output also matter. A total basket weight does not describe the thickness of each piece.

Can I cook pork shoulder from frozen?

This method has no supported frozen model. Thaw safely first and use the reference shape.

When should I start checking?

Check at 202 minutes for this setting. Keep cooking if the center has not reached the appropriate safety endpoint or texture. A timer is a reminder to check.

How do I know when pork shoulder is done?

Reach 145°F before removing from heat, then rest for at least 3 minutes. A thermometer beats any timer.

Next on the menu?

More oven times
Pork loin roastPork crown roastSpiral hamCook-before-eating ham

Where this range comes from.

Reference facts are compiled from primary charts. Adjusted ranges are planning estimates. Read how we calculate them.