Japanese Wagyu grades combine a yield grade and a meat quality grade. Yield is rated A through C, with A indicating the highest estimated yield of usable meat. Quality is rated 1 through 5 based on marbling, meat color, firmness and texture, and the quality of the fat.
A5 represents the highest combination of yield and quality grades, while A4 is also considered exceptional. Marbling is an important part of the quality assessment and contributes to Wagyu’s tenderness, juiciness, and rich flavor.