Homestead Meat Yield Calculator
Created by: Ethan Brooks
Last updated:
Calculate how much packaged meat you will get from a live animal. Enter the type and weight to see hanging weight, take-home pounds, freezer space needed, and estimated servings for beef, pork, lamb, poultry, and game.
Homestead Meat Yield Calculator
HomesteadingCalculate how much packaged meat you will get from a live animal.
Advanced: Custom yield percentages
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What is a Homestead Meat Yield Calculator?
A Homestead Meat Yield Calculator estimates how much packaged meat you will get from a live animal. By entering the live weight and animal type, you see the expected hanging weight (after slaughter), take-home weight (after butchering), and how many servings or meals that provides.
This tool helps you plan purchases of live animals, budget for processing fees, size your freezer, and understand what you are actually getting when buying a "half beef" or "whole hog." It also helps hunters estimate game meat yields.
Meat Yield by Animal Type
| Animal | Typical Live Wt | Hanging % | Take-Home % | Est. Meat (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Steer (grain-finished) | 1200 lbs | 62% | 65% | 484 |
| Beef Steer (grass-finished) | 1100 lbs | 58% | 62% | 396 |
| Beef Cow (cull) | 1200 lbs | 52% | 60% | 374 |
| Pig (market hog) | 280 lbs | 72% | 75% | 151 |
| Pig (heritage breed) | 250 lbs | 70% | 72% | 126 |
| Lamb (market) | 120 lbs | 52% | 65% | 41 |
| Mutton (older sheep) | 150 lbs | 50% | 60% | 45 |
| Goat (cabrito/chevon) | 80 lbs | 50% | 60% | 24 |
| Deer (whitetail) | 150 lbs | 55% | 55% | 45 |
| Elk | 500 lbs | 55% | 58% | 160 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much meat do you get from a 1200 lb steer?
A 1,200 lb grain-finished steer yields about 744 lbs hanging weight (62%), and from that you get approximately 480-500 lbs of take-home meat (65% of hanging). This includes steaks, roasts, and about 200 lbs of ground beef. Grass-finished steers yield 10-15% less.
What is the difference between live weight and hanging weight?
Live weight is the animal before slaughter. Hanging weight (carcass weight) is after removing hide, head, hooves, and organs — typically 50-72% of live weight depending on species. Take-home weight is after further butchering (removing bones, fat trim) — typically 60-75% of hanging weight.
How much freezer space do I need for a whole beef?
Plan for 1 cubic foot of freezer space per 30-35 lbs of packaged meat. A half beef (~240 lbs) needs about 7-8 cubic feet. A whole beef (~480 lbs) needs 14-16 cubic feet. A chest freezer of 15-20 cubic feet handles a whole beef plus other items.
How much meat does a family of 4 need per year?
The average American eats about 220 lbs of meat per year. A family of 4 consumes roughly 800-900 lbs annually. One whole beef (~480 lbs) plus one or two pigs (~150 lbs each) covers most of a family's red meat needs. Add chickens for poultry.
What percentage of a pig is usable meat?
A 280 lb market hog yields about 200 lbs hanging weight (72%) and approximately 150 lbs of take-home meat (75% of hanging). This includes hams, bacon, pork chops, ribs, sausage, and ground pork. Pigs have excellent yield compared to other animals.
Sources and References
- USDA Meat Inspection Division, "Carcass Yield and Cutability", 2023
- Penn State Extension, "Understanding Meat Yields — From Farm to Freezer", Publication UK 159, 2022
- American Meat Science Association, "Meat Processing and Yield Guidelines", 2024