How long to cook pork roast
Choose a method and size for a practical estimate; cooking times are ranges, not a substitute for checking doneness. How we calculate times.
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Adjust exact weight, thickness or quantity when you need to.
Estimated cooking time
32–38 min
- Oven temp
- 350°F / 180°C
- Rest
- 15 min
- Food safety guidance
- Official minimum: 145°F / 63°C + 3-min rest USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
Evidence-informed estimate · Cooking times vary — follow the food-specific completion and food-safety guidance.
- Loin: roast to 63°C and slice. Shoulder: roast 6+ hours at 140–160°C until it shreds (≈90°C internal).
- Times assume the food starts refrigerated, not room temperature.
Pork roast by method
At typical settings. Oven is fastest at 32–38 min.
| Method | Typical time | Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | 32–38 min | |
| Slow cooker | 6 hr 48 min – 9 hr 12 min |
Pork roast cooking time by size
| Size | Approximate | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Loin (1.2 kg) | Lean, sliced | 32–38 min |
| Shoulder (2 kg) | Fatty, for pulling | 32–38 min |
How to know when it's done
Time is an estimate — temperature is the truth. Check the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer: pork roast is safely done at 145°F / 63°C.
Food-level cooking reference: BBC Good Food — How to cook pork shoulder (checked 2026-08-18). CookCue applies deterministic adjustments; food-safety guidance is sourced separately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does pulled pork take?
A 2 kg shoulder needs 6–8 hours at 150°C in the oven or 8 hours on Low in a slow cooker, until it shreds easily (around 90°C internal).
What temperature should pork roast reach?
63°C (145°F) with a 3-minute rest for slicing cuts like loin. Shoulder for pulled pork goes far beyond, to around 90°C.