---
title: "American alligator vs lion — size, weight and speed compared"
description: "American alligator is somewhat greater than lion on weight — about 1.2×. Compared on 4 measured properties, with the full range and a source for each."
url: https://atoneplace.net/vs/american-alligator-vs-lion/
site: "At One Place"
---

# American alligator vs Lion

**American alligator vs lion: American alligator is larger on weight**

American alligator is somewhat greater than lion on weight — about 1.2×.

An American alligator and a lion 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.*

|  | American alligator | Lion |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weight | 70–500 kg | 120–250 kg |
| Length | 2.6–4.6 m | 1.6–2.5 m |
| Typical lifespan | 35–70 yr | 10–20 yr |
| Bite force | 1,000–2,980 psi | 650 psi |

## What the numbers say

- American alligator is somewhat greater than lion on weight — about 1.2×.
- American alligator is 1.6× lion on length.
- American alligator is 3.6× lion on typical lifespan.
- American alligator is 3.3× lion on bite force.

*Weight compared.*

- American alligator: 70–500 kg
- Lion: 120–250 kg

## American alligator

A broad-snouted crocodilian of the US Southeast, recovered from near-extinction to over a million animals.

## Lion

The second-largest living cat and the only one that lives in permanent social groups.

> 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, American alligator or lion?

American alligator is somewhat greater than lion on weight — about 1.2×. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.

### How do American alligators and lions compare on length?

American alligator: 2.6–4.6 m. Lion: 1.6–2.5 m. American alligator is 1.6× lion on length.

### How do American alligators and lions compare on typical lifespan?

American alligator: 35–70 yr. Lion: 10–20 yr. American alligator is 3.6× lion on typical lifespan.

## Related pages

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- [American alligator vs grizzly bear](https://atoneplace.net/vs/american-alligator-vs-grizzly-bear/)
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## Sources

- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Smithsonian Institution (https://naturalhistory.si.edu/)
- Wikidata — Wikimedia Foundation (https://www.wikidata.org/) [CC0 1.0]
- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place (/about/)