Hello
It depends what car you have but normally it means from the Catalytic Converter to the back of the car.
If it includes the Cat it will be a lot more expensive and the description will normally say inc Cat.
Andy C
All the piping, mufflers, hangers, etc. from the rear of the catalytic converter to the exhaust tips.
what formula72 said
you look under your car and find the cat that is closest to the back of the car.. the rest of that exhaust is what can be called a cat back... basicly a kit that mounts to your cat.. verses a complete system.
I've seen some one put a 2008 ss cat back from the exhaust system and put it in a 2001 impala.. My question is which part of the exhaust system is the cat back??