Cattle Profit Calculator
Net profit per head, cost of gain, and break-even for feeder or stocker cattle
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Quick summary
Enter purchase and sale weight and price (per hundredweight), plus feed and other per-head costs, to get net profit per head and total, weight gain, cost of gain per pound, and break-even sale price. Buying a 500-lb calf at $200/cwt ($1,000) and selling at 800 lb and $180/cwt ($1,440), with $310 of costs, nets $130 a head; cost of gain is about $1.03/lb and break-even is $163.75/cwt. Market swings between buying and selling drive much of the result.
Reviewed by Simple Calculators TeamLast reviewed
How to use this calculator
- Enter the inputs requested by the calculator.
- Choose the units or options that match your situation and review the assumptions.
- Run or update the calculation to see the result.
- Review the result, breakdown, and formulas shown on the page.
- Check the inputs, units, dates, and limitations before saving or sharing the result.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate profit on feeder cattle?
Sale revenue minus purchase cost minus feed and other costs. With cattle priced per hundredweight (cwt), a 500-lb calf at $200/cwt costs $1,000, and selling at 800 lb and $180/cwt yields $1,440. Subtract $310 of feed and costs for $130 profit per head. This calculator also gives cost of gain and break-even.
What is cost of gain?
The cost to add each pound of weight — feed plus other inputs divided by pounds gained. If it costs $310 to add 300 lb, cost of gain is about $1.03/lb. It's the central metric in stocker and feedlot economics: profit depends on keeping cost of gain below the value of that added weight.
What is break-even sale price?
The sale price per cwt at which revenue exactly equals total cost. If your all-in cost per head is $1,310 and you sell at 800 lb, break-even is $1,310 ÷ 800 × 100 = $163.75/cwt. Sell above it to profit. It tells you the market price you need before you commit to buying.
Why is the price 'per cwt'?
Cattle are traditionally quoted per hundredweight (cwt = 100 lbs). A price of $180/cwt means $1.80 per pound, so an 800-lb steer is worth $1,440. This calculator takes prices per cwt and does the conversion, matching how sale barns and markets report.
Key terms
- Cwt (Hundredweight)
- 100 pounds; the standard unit cattle prices are quoted in.
- Cost of Gain
- Cost to add one pound of weight — feed and inputs ÷ pounds gained.
- Break-Even Price
- The sale price per cwt where revenue equals total cost.
- Feeder / Stocker
- Cattle bought to grow and resell at a heavier weight.
Methodology, sources & limitations
This page shows the formula, assumptions, and limitations used for this estimate. Rates, thresholds, and other time-sensitive inputs can change, so verify them against the relevant official source before relying on a result.
For our review approach and the primary sources we consult, see the methodology and source policy. If you spot an outdated figure or formula, please contact us with a correction.