Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) Calculator
Enter the total feed consumed and the weight gained over the same period to calculate FCR. Both amounts use the same unit. FCR is only meaningful when compared within the same species, feed type, and production system.
Last updated: September 25, 2026
Frequently asked questions
What is a feed conversion ratio?
It is the amount of feed an animal or group consumes for each unit of body weight it gains. A value of 2.0 means 2 units of feed per 1 unit of gain.
Is a lower FCR always better?
Lower usually means more feed-efficient, but only when the comparison is fair. Different species, ages, diets, and measurement methods produce very different typical values.
How is this different from the Ratio Calculator?
The Ratio Calculator simplifies or scales any two numbers. This tool is specific to agricultural feed and gain, reports the inverse feed efficiency, and explains the biological meaning.
Should feed be as-fed or dry matter?
Either can be used, but be consistent. Use the Dry Matter Calculator to convert if you need to compare rations with different moisture levels.
What if weight gain is zero or negative?
FCR is undefined when there is no gain, and negative gain has no meaningful FCR. The tool shows a message rather than a number in those cases.
Does the period of measurement matter?
Yes. Feed and gain must cover exactly the same period and group of animals, or the ratio will be misleading.