Dimensions
| Measurement | Metric | Imperial | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length (head and body) | 1.8–2.7 m | 5 ft 11 in – 8 ft 10 in | Head and body length of most adults (6 to 9 ft). Range: varies | [1] |
| Height at shoulder | ≈ 1.7 m | ≈ 5 ft 7 in | Most are close to about 5.6 ft (1.7 m) at the shoulder. Approximate | [1] |
| Standing height (largest bears) | up to 3 m | up to 9 ft 10 in | Polar Bears International: polar bears 'can grow to 590 kg and stand 3 meters tall'. Maximum | [2] |
| Mass (adult male) | 350–590 kg | 770–1,300 lb | Adult males normally weigh 350 to 590 kg (772 to 1,300 lb). Range: varies | [2] |
| Mass (adult female) | 150–295 kg | 330–650 lb | Adult females usually weigh 150 to 295 kg (331 to 650 lb), more in some regions. Range: varies | [2] |
| Heaviest on record | at least 770 kg | at least 1,700 lb | One polar bear on record weighed more than 1,700 lb (770 kg). Approximate | [1] |
About the polar bear
The polar bear lives on Arctic sea ice and hunts seals; along with the brown bear it is the largest land carnivore. Most adults measure about 1.8 to 2.7 m in head and body length. Males are roughly twice the weight of females, normally 350 to 590 kg against 150 to 295 kg, and the biggest bears can stand about 3 m tall on their hind legs.
- Newborn cubs weigh a little over half a kilogram (about 1 lb) and are about 30 to 35 cm long, blind and toothless. [2]
- Males may measure over 3.7 m (12 ft) when standing on their hind legs, which is why most experts call polar bears the longest bears. [1]
- Pregnant females can weigh more than 453 kg (1,000 lb) before denning. [1]
- A polar bear's fat layer can be 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) thick. [1]
- Polar bears can eat more than 45 kg (100 lb) of blubber in one sitting. [2]
How many fit?
- ≈ 1–1.7 × Human · height lined up end to end match the Polar bear · length (head and body)
- ≈ 3.9–7.6 × Human · body mass on the scales weigh as much as Polar bear · mass (adult male)
- ≈ 2.9–4.9 × Dog (Labrador Retriever) · height at withers lined up end to end match the Polar bear · length (head and body)
- ≈ 9.6–24 × Dog (Labrador Retriever) · weight on the scales weigh as much as Polar bear · mass (adult male)
Counts divide one sourced figure by another. "End to end" uses each object's main measurement; weight and volume rows appear only when both figures are sourced.
How it compares
- 2.9–4.9× A polar bear is about 2.9–4.9 times as long as a Labrador Retriever is tall at the shoulder. See side by side
- 1–1.7× A polar bear is about 1–1.7 times as long as an average adult is tall. See side by side
- 1–1.5× A polar bear is about 1–1.5 times as long as a gorilla is tall. See side by side
- 0.7–1.3× A polar bear is roughly as long as an ostrich is tall: between 0.7 and 1.3 times, depending on size. See side by side
- 1–1.7× A polar bear is about 1–1.7 times as long as a horse is tall at the shoulder. See side by side
- 0.5–1.1× A polar bear is roughly as long as an African elephant is tall at the shoulder: between 0.5 and 1.1 times, depending on size. See side by side
Factors compare the length (head and body) of a polar bear with each object’s own main measurement (height for a human). Where a size varies, the factor is given as a range.
Notes on these figures
- Polar Bears International gives weights but no body length; the length comes from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and covers adults of both sexes.
- Sources disagree on standing height: Polar Bears International says polar bears can 'stand 3 meters tall', while San Diego Zoo says males may exceed 12 ft (3.7 m) on their hind legs. The PBI figure is stored as the measure.
- San Diego Zoo gives male weights of 300 to 635 kg for most males, a wider range than PBI's 350 to 590 kg; the PBI range is stored.
- The Alaska Department of Fish and Game page returned no content, and USFWS was not used.
Sources
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Polar Bear. Accessed 25 September 2026.
- Polar Bears International, Polar Bear Facts: Adaptations and Characteristics. Accessed 25 September 2026.