Beef Chuck Roast Temperature Chart & Cook Time Calculator

Poor man’s brisket, and genuinely close. Same collagen, same stall, a third of the price and half the cook time.

Target temp
205°F
96 °C
Pit temp
225°F
110 °C
Method
Smoker (Low & Slow)
Indirect smoke, long cook
Rest
1h
before slicing

Cook time by weight

WeightCook time at 225 °FPull tempRest
2.5 lb6h 48m 202 °F1h Timeline →
3 lb7h 35m 202 °F1h Timeline →
4 lb9h 202 °F1h Timeline →
5 lb10h 18m 202 °F1h Timeline →
6 lb11h 29m 202 °F1h Timeline →
Calculate your exact cut →Free interactive calculator · works offline · installs to your home screen

⚠️ Plan for the stall

Every chuck roast cook hits a wall between 150 °F and 170 °F where the temperature simply stops rising, often for hours. Each size guide above gives you the predicted onset and the wrap point for that exact weight.

Recommended Tools for Perfect Results

The chart is only as good as your thermometer. These are the tools worth owning.

Most useful

Wireless Bluetooth Meat Thermometer

Leave-in probe with phone alerts. The single upgrade that ends dry brisket and grey steak.

Check Price
on Amazon
For the stall

Pink Butcher Paper (Unwaxed, 18")

Beats foil for the Texas Crutch: pushes through the stall while keeping the bark crisp.

Check Price
on Amazon
Instant read

Instant-Read Digital Thermometer

Two-second readings for spot checks and for probing brisket for tenderness.

Check Price
on Amazon

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Download the printable temperature chart

Every temperature on this site on one page — beef, pork, poultry, seafood and low & slow, plus the carryover rule. Print it and tape it inside your grill lid.

One email with the chart, plus the occasional seasonal guide. Unsubscribe in one click, no spam. Prefer not to subscribe? Download it directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What internal temperature should chuck roast be?

205 °F / 96 °C final. Pull it earlier — around 202 °F for the sizes in the chart above — because carryover cooking keeps the temperature climbing after it leaves the heat.

What pit temperature should I use?

225 °F / 110 °C for smoker (low & slow).

How long should chuck roast rest?

1 hour for a typical chuck roast. Hold it above 140 °F wrapped in a dry cooler — long rests genuinely improve the texture.