---
title: "Elk vs plains zebra — size, weight and speed compared"
description: "Elk and plains zebra are near enough identical on weight. Compared on 5 measured properties, with the full range and a source for each."
url: https://atoneplace.net/vs/elk-vs-plains-zebra/
site: "At One Place"
---

# Elk vs Plains zebra

**Elk vs plains zebra: Near enough equal on weight**

Elk and plains zebra are near enough identical on weight.

An elk and a plains zebra can be compared on 5 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.*

|  | Elk | Plains zebra |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weight | 170–500 kg | 200–450 kg |
| Height | 1.3–1.5 m | 1.2–1.5 m |
| Length | 2–2.7 m | 2.1–2.6 m |
| Top speed | 72 km/h | 65 km/h |
| Typical lifespan | 10–20 yr | 12–25 yr |

## What the numbers say

- Elk and plains zebra are near enough identical on weight.
- Elk is somewhat greater than plains zebra on height — about 1.1×.
- Elk and plains zebra are near enough identical on length.
- Elk is somewhat greater than plains zebra on top speed — about 1.1×.
- Plains zebra is somewhat greater than elk on typical lifespan — about 1.3×.

*Weight compared.*

- Elk: 170–500 kg
- Plains zebra: 200–450 kg

## Elk

The second-largest deer, whose bulls bugle in autumn and carry antlers over a metre long.

## Plains zebra

The most common zebra; every individual's stripe pattern is unique.

> 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, elk or plains zebra?

Elk and plains zebra are near enough identical on weight. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.

### How do elk and plains zebras compare on height?

Elk: 1.3–1.5 m. Plains zebra: 1.2–1.5 m. Elk is somewhat greater than plains zebra on height — about 1.1×.

### How do elk and plains zebras compare on length?

Elk: 2–2.7 m. Plains zebra: 2.1–2.6 m. Elk and plains zebra are near enough identical on length.

## Related pages

- [Lion vs plains zebra](https://atoneplace.net/vs/lion-vs-plains-zebra/)
- [Elk vs grizzly bear](https://atoneplace.net/vs/elk-vs-grizzly-bear/)
- [Horse vs plains zebra](https://atoneplace.net/vs/horse-vs-plains-zebra/)
- [Moose vs plains zebra](https://atoneplace.net/vs/moose-vs-plains-zebra/)
- [Plains zebra vs tiger](https://atoneplace.net/vs/plains-zebra-vs-tiger/)

## Sources

- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Smithsonian Institution (https://naturalhistory.si.edu/)