Average daily gain calculator
This average daily gain calculator divides the weight gained by the days between two weighings: a steer that went from 624 to 870 lb in 100 days gained 2.46 lb per day. It also predicts the weight on a later date and the days left until a target weight.
Example: Calculate: Average daily gain from two weighings · Beginning weight 624 · Current weight 870 · Days between weighings 100 · Weight unit: lb → Daily gain: Average daily gain: 2.46 lb/day. Source: Utah State University Extension, 4-H Livestock Calculator „Beef Weight Calculator“: ADG = (current − initial weight) ÷ days, example (870 − 624) ÷ 100 = 2.46 lb/day; prediction = days × ADG + current weight, 146 × 2.45 + 870 = 1228 lb (read 10.10.2026). Updated: .
How it is calculated
Average daily gain (ADG) = (current weight − beginning weight) ÷ days between the weighings. Utah State University Extension uses exactly this rule in its 4-H livestock calculators: (870 lb − 624 lb) ÷ 100 days = 2.46 lb per day. For a prediction it multiplies the days until the fair by the average gain and adds the current weight: 146 × 2.45 + 870 = 1,228 lb.
Average daily gain examples
| Beginning weight | Current weight | Days | Gain per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 624 lb | 870 lb | 100 | 2.46 lb |
| 90 lb | 180 lb | 60 | 1.5 lb |
| 500 lb | 700 lb | 90 | 2.22 lb |
| 60 lb | 132 lb | 60 | 1.2 lb |
The second row is the University of Maine example: a Holstein calf born at 90 lb that weighs 180 lb at weaning around day 60 gained 1.5 lb per day.
Days to a target weight
Rearranging the prediction gives the days still needed: (target − current) ÷ daily gain. A steer at 870 lb gaining 2.45 lb a day needs (1,250 − 870) ÷ 2.45 = 155.1, so 156 days, to reach 1,250 lb. If the date is fixed, the same formula shows the daily gain required: (target − current) ÷ days left.
Weighing tips and targets
- UMaine advises weighing at the same time of day relative to feeding, because gut fill changes the weight. If weighing every calf is not realistic, UMaine suggests always weighing the same 5 to 10 representative calves.
- The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association, quoted by UMaine, recommends that calves double their birth weight by weaning, which takes 1.2 to 1.8 lb per day, and that heifers then grow at 1.7 to 2.0 lb per day.
- Many factors change ADG – environment, nutrition, disease and more – so goals depend on the farm.
Pounds and kilograms convert with kg to lbs; to estimate a horse’s weight from tape measurements use the horse weight calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate average daily gain?
Subtract the beginning weight from the current weight and divide by the days between the weighings. (870 − 624) ÷ 100 = 2.46 lb per day.
How do I predict my steer’s weight on fair day?
Multiply the days left by the average daily gain and add the current weight. 146 days × 2.45 lb + 870 lb = 1,228 lb.
How many days until my animal reaches a target weight?
(Target − current weight) ÷ daily gain. From 870 to 1,250 lb at 2.45 lb a day takes about 156 days.
What is a good ADG for dairy calves?
The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association, as quoted by the University of Maine, recommends 1.2 to 1.8 lb per day until weaning and 1.7 to 2.0 lb per day for heifers afterwards.
Why do my weighings jump around?
Gut fill changes the weight during the day. UMaine advises weighing at the same time relative to feeding each time.
Sources and legal basis
- Utah State University Extension, 4-H Livestock Calculator „Beef Weight Calculator“: ADG = (current − initial weight) ÷ days, example (870 − 624) ÷ 100 = 2.46 lb/day; prediction = days × ADG + current weight, 146 × 2.45 + 870 = 1228 lb (read 10.10.2026)
- University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Bulletin #1078: Calculating the Average Daily Gain of a Dairy Calf or Heifer – example 90 → 180 lb in 60 days = 1.5 lb/day, recommendations of the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (1.2–1.8 or 1.7–2.0 lb/day), weigh at the same time relative to feeding (read 10.10.2026)
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