Value of gain calculator
What each added pound is worth at this week's steer prices
MARKET REPORT - WEEK OF OCTOBER 19, 2026- At this week's national steer averages, taking a 550 lb steer to 850 lb adds $486 of value, $1.62 per pound of gain.
- Across 100 lb steps the value of gain ranges from $0.96/lb (650 → 750 lb) to $2.45/lb (750 → 850 lb).
- If your cost of gain is below the value of gain, the added weight pays; above it, selling lighter does.
This week's value of gain by weight
| Gain | Value in | Value out | Added value | Value of gain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 450 → 550 lb | $2,256 | $2,431 | $175 | $1.75/lb |
| 550 → 650 lb | $2,431 | $2,576 | $145 | $1.45/lb |
| 650 → 750 lb | $2,576 | $2,672 | $96 | $0.96/lb |
| 750 → 850 lb | $2,672 | $2,917 | $245 | $2.45/lb |
| 550 → 850 lb | $2,431 | $2,917 | $486 | $1.62/lb |
Medium and Large 1 steers at the middle of each 100 lb class, national head-weighted averages from USDA-reported auctions in the last 8 days.
Common questions
What is value of gain?
The extra dollars a heavier animal brings, divided by the extra pounds. It is usually lower than the per-pound price of either animal because heavier cattle usually sell for less per cwt: a 550 lb steer and a 750 lb steer are not priced the same per pound.
How do I use it?
Compare it with your cost of gain, everything it costs to put a pound on (feed, pasture, yardage, vet, interest, death loss). If value of gain is higher, adding weight pays at today's prices; if it is lower, the market is paying more for the lighter calf.
Where do the prices come from?
From this week's Sale Barn Steer Average: head-weighted Medium and Large 1 steer prices across every tracked USDA-reported auction, by 100 lb class. Put in your own barn's prices for a local answer, and remember that futures and contract prices for a later sale date can differ from today's cash market.
What a calf is worth today: the calf value calculator. Prices by class: feeder cattle prices this week.
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