The short answer: A pound of ground beef weighs about 454 grams (1 pound) raw, as labeled. After cooking and draining, it typically drops to around 300 to 340 grams.
Pound of ground beef weight by type
A pound of ground beef is sold by its stated weight, but the cooked amount is noticeably less because fat and water cook off.
| State (example) | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| Raw, as labeled | 454 g (1 lb / 16 oz) |
| Cooked, 80/20 (drained) | 300 to 340 g (10.5 to 12 oz) |
| Cooked, 90/10 (leaner) | 340 to 370 g (12 to 13 oz) |
| Rendered fat and water lost | roughly 85 to 150 g (3 to 5 oz) |
What affects pound of ground beef weight
- Fat content. Fattier 80/20 beef loses more weight than leaner 90/10.
- Raw vs. cooked. Cooking and draining removes fat and water, lowering weight.
- Draining. Pouring off rendered fat reduces the final cooked weight.
- Package tolerance. Labeled weights are targets with small variation.
- Cooking method. Browning versus simmering affects how much liquid is lost.
How pound of ground beef weight compares
A pound of raw ground beef weighs about the same as a standard box of butter, or roughly as much as a small loaf of bread.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a pound of ground beef weigh after cooking?
After cooking and draining, a pound of 80/20 ground beef usually drops to about 300 to 340 grams as fat and water cook off.
How many cups is a pound of ground beef?
A pound of raw ground beef is roughly two cups, while cooked and crumbled it yields about three cups.
Why does ground beef lose weight when cooked?
Ground beef releases fat and water as it cooks, and draining off that rendered liquid further reduces the final weight.
