How many lbs is a half cow? A breakdown of the math

If you're looking into buying bulk beef, you probably want to know exactly how many lbs is a half cow before you go out and buy a massive chest freezer. It's a smart question to ask because the answer isn't just one static number you'll find on a sticker at the grocery store. When you buy a side of beef, you're dealing with a living animal that eventually becomes "hanging weight" and then finally "boxed weight." ...

May 7, 2026 · 7 min · Aileen Menachem