USDA: cook beef steaks to at least 145°F (63°C) and rest 3 minutes. Popular doneness targets: rare 125°F, medium rare 135°F, medium 145°F, medium well 150°F, well done 155°F+.
- USDA safe minimum
- 145°F63°C internal temperature
- Rest time
- 3 minBefore carving or eating
- Doneness range
- 125–155°FRare to well done
- Safe & popular
- 145°FMedium
- 125°FRare52°C
- 135°FMedium rare57°C
- 145°FMedium63°C
- 150°FMedium well66°C
- 155°FWell done68°C
Safe minimums from USDA FSIS and FoodSafety.gov. Checked .
Steak (beef) temperature chart
| Doneness | °F | °C | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rare | 125°F | 52°C | cool red center; Certified Angus Beef final temp (below USDA's 145°F + 3-min rest) |
| Medium rare | 135°F | 57°C | warm red center; Certified Angus Beef final temp (ThermoWorks: 130-135°F) (below USDA's 145°F + 3-min rest) |
| Medium | 145°F | 63°C | warm pink center; Certified Angus Beef final temp (ThermoWorks: 135-145°F); meets USDA minimum with 3-min rest |
| Medium well | 150°F | 66°C | slightly pink center; Certified Angus Beef final temp (ThermoWorks: 145-155°F) |
| Well done | 155°F | 68°C | little or no pink; ThermoWorks lists 155°F and up |
Doneness targets come from the culinary sources listed below. USDA's food-safety minimum is 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest; anything below it is a personal risk choice.
Safe temperature for steak
USDA: cook beef steaks to at least 145°F (63°C) and rest 3 minutes. Popular doneness targets: rare 125°F, medium rare 135°F, medium 145°F, medium well 150°F, well done 155°F+.
When to take it off the heat
Carryover cooking: Certified Angus Beef advises taking steaks off the heat about 5°F before the target and roasts 5-10°F early; ThermoWorks says 3-10°F depending on size and heat.
Where to put the thermometer
Insert through the side of the cut so the tip sits in the center, clear of bone and fat (Certified Angus Beef).
Questions people ask
What temperature is medium rare steak?
Certified Angus Beef puts medium rare at about 135°F (57°C) after resting; ThermoWorks gives 130-135°F. That is below USDA's 145°F safety minimum.
Is a rare steak safe to eat?
USDA recommends 145°F plus a 3-minute rest for whole beef cuts. Rare (about 125°F) falls below that guidance, so it carries more risk, especially for vulnerable people.
How long should steak rest?
USDA calls for at least 3 minutes before cutting or eating; the temperature keeps rising a few degrees while it rests.
Is medium rare steak safe?
Medium rare: about 135°F (57°C), warm red center. USDA's safe minimum is 145°F with a 3-minute rest.
What temp to grill steak?
USDA: cook beef steaks to at least 145°F (63°C) and rest 3 minutes. Popular doneness targets: rare 125°F, medium rare 135°F, medium 145°F, medium well 150°F, well done 155°F+.
What temperature to cook steak in oven?
USDA: cook beef steaks to at least 145°F (63°C) and rest 3 minutes. Popular doneness targets: rare 125°F, medium rare 135°F, medium 145°F, medium well 150°F, well done 155°F+.