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African elephant vs Giraffe

African elephant vs giraffe
African elephant is larger on weight
African elephant is 5× giraffe on weight.

An African elephant and a giraffe can be compared on 4 measures. The figures below are typical adult or full-size values, with the larger of the two in bold.

Side by side

Larger value in bold. Ranges reflect genuine variation, not uncertainty.
African elephant Giraffe
Weight 2,200–10,400 kg 700–1,930 kg
Height 2.2–4 m 4.3–5.9 m
Top speed 40 km/h 60 km/h
Typical lifespan 50–70 yr 20–28 yr

What the numbers say

  • African elephant is 5× giraffe on weight.
  • Giraffe is 1.6× African elephant on height.
  • Giraffe is 1.5× African elephant on top speed.
  • African elephant is 2.4× giraffe on typical lifespan.

Weight compared.

African elephant 2,200–10,400 kg
Giraffe 700–1,930 kg

African elephant

The largest living land animal, distinguished from the Asian elephant by larger ears and a dipped back.

Giraffe

The tallest living animal; its neck holds the same seven vertebrae as a human neck.

This is a comparison of published measurements, nothing more. It describes how two things differ on measures that have been recorded; it does not predict how they would fare against each other in any situation.

Common questions

Which is bigger, African elephant or giraffe?
African elephant is 5× giraffe on weight. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.
How do African elephants and giraffes compare on height?
African elephant: 2.2–4 m. Giraffe: 4.3–5.9 m. Giraffe is 1.6× African elephant on height.
How do African elephants and giraffes compare on top speed?
African elephant: 40 km/h. Giraffe: 60 km/h. Giraffe is 1.5× African elephant on top speed.

Related pages

Sources

  1. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Smithsonian Institution

How these figures are compiled and checked