How big is a panda bear? An adult giant panda is about 4 to 6 feet long and 2 to 3 feet tall at the shoulder on all fours. It weighs roughly 220 to 330 pounds. That is close to the size of an American black bear.
This guide covers panda height, panda weight, and panda length. It also covers male vs female size, baby pandas, and how pandas compare with other bears.
Panda Bear Size Chart
| Measure | Adult Giant Panda |
|---|---|
| Length | 4 to 6 ft (1.2 to 1.8 m) |
| Shoulder height | 2 to 3 ft (60 to 90 cm) |
| Weight | About 220 to 330 lb (100 to 150 kg) |
Giant Panda Height
How tall is a panda? On all four legs, a panda stands 2 to 3 feet at the shoulder, says Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
Pandas often sit upright to eat. That makes them look taller than they are on the ground.
Giant Panda Weight
How much does a panda weigh? WWF lists the adult panda weight at 220 to 330 pounds.
Other sources give lower numbers. Smithsonian says wild males reach up to 250 pounds, and females rarely pass 220. The gap comes from where and how the pandas were measured, and from whether they were male or female.
Giant Panda Length
A panda’s body length runs 4 to 6 feet, without counting its short stub of a tail. That is about the height of an average adult person.
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Male vs Female Panda Bear Size
Male Panda Size
Smithsonian reports that wild males weigh up to about 250 pounds. WWF says males can reach about 300 pounds. A male is built with a broader chest and a heavier frame.
Female Panda Size
Females are lighter. Smithsonian says they rarely reach 220 pounds. WWF puts the top end near 200 pounds.
Wild vs Captive Panda Size
Wild pandas and zoo pandas do not always match. Zoo pandas eat measured meals and get regular vet care, so their weight is easier to track.
Panda lifespan differs too. Scientists estimate 15 to 20 years in the wild and about 30 years in human care.
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Baby Panda Size and Growth Stages
Newborn Panda Size
A cub is about 1/900th the size of its mother. Among mammals that are not marsupials, that is the smallest newborn compared with mom, according to Smithsonian.
Panda Cub Growth Milestones
Growth is slow at first:
- 6 to 8 weeks: the eyes open
- About 3 months: the cub starts to move on its own
- 8 to 9 months: nursing continues
- About 1 year: the cub is nutritionally weaned
When Do Pandas Reach Full Size?
Cubs stay with their mothers for 1.5 to 3 years. Pandas reach breeding age at 4 to 7 years. Growth into adult size happens over those early years.
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Panda Bear Size Compared to Other Bears
Panda vs American Black Bear
Smithsonian says pandas are about the size of an American black bear. A black bear is 4 to 6 feet long. Its weight swings a lot by region and season. Adult males commonly run about 125 to 550 pounds, and females about 90 to 375 pounds.
Panda vs Grizzly Bear
Grizzlies are heavier. The National Park Service lists adult females at 290 to 400 pounds and males at 400 to 790 pounds. A large male grizzly can weigh more than twice as much as a panda.
Panda vs Polar Bear
The polar bear is the largest bear and the biggest land carnivore. Adult males measure about 8 to 10 feet long. The biggest on record weighed 2,209 pounds. A panda is a fraction of that.
Panda vs Sun Bear
The sun bear is the smallest bear in the world. It is about 4 to 5 feet long and weighs 60 to 150 pounds, which is roughly half the size of a black bear.
Panda vs Human
A panda is about as long as an adult person is tall. It is also much heavier. The CDC reports that the average adult man in the US weighs about 200 pounds. A large male panda can weigh half again as much.
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FAQ’s About Panda Bear Size
How big is a giant panda?
An adult giant panda is 4 to 6 feet long and 2 to 3 feet tall at the shoulder. It weighs about 220 to 330 pounds.
How tall is a panda bear?
A panda stands 2 to 3 feet tall at the shoulder on all fours. It often sits upright to eat, which makes it look taller.
How much does a panda weigh?
Most adult pandas weigh 220 to 330 pounds. Females are lighter than males.
Are male or female pandas bigger?
Males are bigger. Wild males weigh up to about 250 to 300 pounds, depending on the source. Females rarely pass 220 pounds.
How big is a baby panda when it is born?
A newborn panda weighs 3 to 5 ounces. It is about the size of a stick of butter.
How does panda bear size compare to other bears?
A panda is about the size of an American black bear. It is smaller than a grizzly or polar bear and larger than a sun bear.
How much does a panda eat each day?
A panda eats roughly 26 to 100 pounds of bamboo a day, depending on the plant part and source. It feeds for 10 to 16 hours.
Are pandas dangerous because of their size?
Yes. Pandas look cuddly, but Smithsonian’s National Zoo says they can be as dangerous as any other bear.
I’m Ethan Parker, a writer focused on animals and wildlife. I share simple, useful facts about animal size, behavior, habitats, and unique traits.
