How big is a polar bear? An adult male usually weighs 350 to 600+ kg (775 to 1,300+ lb). He can stand over 3 m (10 ft) tall on his hind legs. Adult females are smaller, at about 150 to 290 kg (330 to 650 lb). This makes the polar bear the largest of the eight bear species and the largest bear on land.
Polar Bear Size and Weight Chart
| Measure | Adult Male | Adult Female |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 350–600+ kg (775–1,300+ lb) | 150–290 kg (330–650 lb) |
| Body length | 2.4–3 m (8–10 ft) | Shorter, about half the mass of males |
| Shoulder height (on all fours) | 1–1.5 m (3.3–5 ft) | Slightly lower |
Polar Bear Weight: Male vs. Female
Males are about twice as heavy as females. Scientists call this sexual dimorphism. A big male is built for fighting and for covering long distances on sea ice.
Sources give slightly different numbers. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game lists an average male at 600–1,200 lb. Polar Bears International gives a wider range. The gap comes from region, season, and how researchers measure each bear.
Polar Bear Height and Length
Scientists measure a bear’s height at the shoulder, on all fours. That is 1 to 1.5 m (3.3 to 5 ft). Standing on hind legs is a different number. A large male can reach over 10 ft, taller than a basketball hoop.
An average male weighs about four to six times as much as an average adult man.
Largest Polar Bear Ever Recorded
The heaviest polar bear on record was a male shot in Alaska in 1960. He weighed about 1,000 kg (2,210 lb) and stood around 12 ft on his hind legs. Researchers in Canada also estimated one live male at about 800 kg (1,700 lb).
Polar Bear Paw Size and Body Shape
Polar bear paws can reach 30 cm (about 12 in) across, roughly the size of a dinner plate. Small bumps called papillae grip the ice. The wide paws also spread the bear’s weight on thin ice. In water, the front paws work like paddles.
Compared with other bears, a polar bear has a longer neck, a narrower head, and smaller ears. This shape helps it swim and stay warm.
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Polar Bear Size by Age
Newborn Polar Bear Cub Size
A newborn cub weighs only about 500 g (1 to 1.5 lb). That is close to the weight of a loaf of bread. Cubs are usually born in December or January, often as twins, inside a snow den.
Cub Size When Leaving the Den
Growth is fast. Polar bear milk is about 31% fat, the fattiest milk of any land animal. By the time the family leaves the den, at two to three months, cubs weigh 11 to 14 kg (25 to 30 lb). That is more than 20 times their birth weight.
How Long Does a Polar Bear Take to Reach Full Size?
Cubs stay with their mother for about 2.5 years. Females reach maturity at 3 to 6 years old. Males mature at 4 to 5 but often don’t breed well until after age 6. Many keep gaining weight into their prime years. A wild polar bear lives about 25 years.
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Polar Bear Size Comparison Chart
| Bear | Typical Adult Weight |
|---|---|
| Polar bear (male) | 350–600+ kg (775–1,300+ lb) |
| Kodiak bear (male) | About 475 kg (1,050 lb) average |
| Grizzly bear (male) | 180–360 kg (400–790 lb) |
| American black bear | 70–140 kg (150–300 lb) common |
| Giant panda | 70–125 kg (155–275 lb) |
| Sun bear | 25–65 kg (55–145 lb) |
Polar Bear Size Compared to Other Bears
Polar Bear vs. Grizzly Bear Size
A male polar bear is usually much heavier than a male grizzly. Polar bears also have a longer body and neck. Grizzlies have a shoulder hump and shorter, curved claws.
Polar Bear vs. Kodiak Bear Size
The Kodiak bear, a brown bear from Alaska, is the closest rival. Large Kodiaks can match a polar bear in weight. Polar bears still hold the record for the biggest bear overall.
Polar Bear vs. American Black Bear Size
Black bears are far smaller. A typical black bear weighs a fraction of a male polar bear. Many Americans see black bears in the wild, so this gap is easy to picture.
Polar Bear vs. Giant Panda and Sun Bear Size
Even a big giant panda is several times lighter than a male polar bear. The sun bear is the smallest of the eight bear species, about the size of a large dog.
More Post: Black Bear Size
FAQ’s About Polar Bear Size
How big is a polar bear compared to a human?
An adult male polar bear weighs about four to six times as much as an average man. Standing up, he can reach over 10 ft tall.
How much does the average polar bear weigh?
Adult males weigh 350 to 600+ kg (775 to 1,300+ lb). Adult females weigh 150 to 290 kg (330 to 650 lb).
How tall is a polar bear standing up?
A large male can stand over 3 m (10 ft) on his hind legs. On all fours, shoulder height is 1 to 1.5 m (3.3 to 5 ft).
Are polar bears the biggest bears in the world?
Yes. Polar bears are the largest of the eight bear species. Large Kodiak bears come closest.
How big is a polar bear cub when it’s born?
A newborn cub weighs only about 500 g (1 to 1.5 lb). By two to three months, it weighs 11 to 14 kg (25 to 30 lb).
Is polar bear size changing because of climate change?
Sea ice loss shortens hunting time, which can lower body fat and condition. That is a key reason polar bears are listed as threatened.
I’m Ethan Parker, a writer focused on animals and wildlife. I share simple, useful facts about animal size, behavior, habitats, and unique traits.
