Enter the live weight and dressing percentage into the calculator to determine the meat weight. This calculator can also evaluate any of the variables given the others are known.

Cow Live Weight Vs Meat Weight Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the meat weight from a cow’s live weight.

MW = LW * r

Variables:

  • MW is the meat weight
  • LW is the live weight of the cow
  • r is the dressing percentage (usually around 60% for beef cattle)

To calculate the meat weight, multiply the live weight of the cow by the dressing percentage. The result is the estimated meat weight.

What is a Cow Live Weight Vs Meat Weight?

Cow live weight vs meat weight refers to the difference between the weight of a cow when it is alive and the weight of the meat that is obtained from it after it is slaughtered. The live weight, also known as the on-hoof weight, includes the weight of the bones, skin, internal organs, blood, and other parts that are typically not consumed. The meat weight, also known as the carcass weight or dressed weight, is the weight of the edible parts of the cow. The meat weight is usually significantly less than the live weight.

How to Calculate Cow Live Weight Vs Meat Weight?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Cow Live Weight Vs Meat Weight using the formula MW = LW * r.


  1. First, determine the live weight of the cow (LW).
  2. Next, determine the dressing percentage (r).
  3. Next, gather the formula from above = MW = LW * r.
  4. Finally, calculate the meat weight (MW).
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Live weight of the cow (LW) = 800 kg

Dressing percentage (r) = 0.6