Tape a measuring tape on a stick that is about 4’ long.  Measure the height of your animal from the ground to the top of the “Pin” or hip bone above a back leg.  Then determine which chart to use (Bull or Cow) and find the age of your animal.  Then look across the chart and find the height.  Once you have found thse twqo points, then look at the top of the column and see what the frame score is.  We like them to be at least -3, but we have them as small as -5.

Example:  If a Bull is between 11 and 12 months, use the 11 month line across.  If the same Bull is between 32” and 34”, then the score is -4.

Frame score helps you predict the ultimate size of an animal early in life and I have been glad to use it when I am purchasing an animal or deciding just who is going to be culled.  HOWEVER, cattle are like kids, sometimes they have a growth spurt later in life, so don't count on it 100%.  In general, my opinion is that once they reach about 18 months, the chart will be a good guide. 

The IMHCA chart was adopted by the Miniature Cattle Breeder's Society.