Beef Round, Outside Round
USDA Spec
IMPS 2020 §171BIn simple termsThe outside round, also called the flat, the big biceps femoris muscle of the bottom round. The main raw input for deli roast beef and beef jerky slicing programs at processors and jerky brands. Main muscle: biceps femoris.
Boneless. Consists of M. biceps femoris; may contain M. gluteus medius, M. gluteus profundus, and M. gluteus accessorius. Loin end exposes M. biceps femoris equal to or larger than M. gluteus medius. Separated from top round, sirloin tip, heel, and M. semitendinosus.
- Weight range
- 11-19+ lb
- Key muscles
- biceps femoris
- Removed
- all bones, cartilages, sacrociatic ligament and overlying lean/fat, opaque heavy connective tissue (silver skin) along ventral side, popliteal lymph gland
- Primal
- Round
Last 6 months
Recent prints
| Date | Choice (¢/lb) | Select (¢/lb) | Ch/Se Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-08-28 | 399.47¢/lb | - | - |
| 2026-08-27 | 387.65¢/lb | - | - |
| 2026-08-26 | 411.01¢/lb | 412.04¢/lb | -1.03¢/lb |
| 2026-08-25 | 421.39¢/lb | 415.44¢/lb | +5.95¢/lb |
| 2026-08-24 | 420.42¢/lb | 414.76¢/lb | +5.66¢/lb |
| 2026-08-21 | 421.79¢/lb | 410.38¢/lb | +11.41¢/lb |
| 2026-08-20 | 420.03¢/lb | 412.30¢/lb | +7.73¢/lb |
| 2026-08-19 | 425.15¢/lb | 415.54¢/lb | +9.61¢/lb |
| 2026-08-18 | 421.52¢/lb | 415.65¢/lb | +5.87¢/lb |
| 2026-08-17 | 412.52¢/lb | 423.02¢/lb | -10.50¢/lb |
| 2026-08-14 | 409.54¢/lb | 418.54¢/lb | -9.00¢/lb |
| 2026-08-13 | 389.22¢/lb | 398.28¢/lb | -9.06¢/lb |
| 2026-08-12 | 392.40¢/lb | 401.59¢/lb | -9.19¢/lb |
| 2026-08-11 | 394.43¢/lb | 407.27¢/lb | -12.84¢/lb |
Frequently asked
What is the current wholesale price of beef round, outside round?
$3.99/lb as of 2026-08-28, Choice grade, from the USDA AMS National Daily Boxed Beef Cutout report. That's down 5.3% week over week.
Where has round, outside round traded recently?
Down 16.5% over the last six months. Offer side has been in control.
How is beef round, outside round priced?
Wholesale beef round, outside round is priced FOB plant in cents per pound and reported daily by USDA AMS as part of the National Daily Boxed Beef Cutout, Negotiated Sales (LM_XB403) report. Prices reflect weighted-average negotiated trades for delivery within 0-21 days.
What drives chuck and round pricing?
Two demand channels: whole-muscle roasts and the grind. When lean trim runs expensive, more chucks and rounds go to the grinder, which supports the whole primal. Roast season adds a cold-weather retail pull.
What is IMPS 171B?
IMPS 171B is the USDA Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications code for Beef Round, Outside Round (Flat). It's the standard spec used in wholesale trading and procurement contracts.
About this cut
Outside (bottom) round from the outer thigh. Leaner and tougher than the inside round. Best for slow roasting or pastrami.
A free account gets you a watchlist with price alerts on the cuts you buy, plus the daily market read. Email only, no card.
Multi-year history, 5-year seasonal overlay, and a 26-week forecast. Free 7-day trial, then $89/mo USD. Cancel anytime. Start free trial →