---
title: "Emu vs ostrich — size, weight and speed compared"
description: "Ostrich is 2.8× emu on weight. Compared on 4 measured properties, with the full range and a source for each."
url: https://atoneplace.net/vs/emu-vs-ostrich/
site: "At One Place"
---

# Emu vs Ostrich

**Emu vs ostrich: Ostrich is larger on weight**

Ostrich is 2.8× emu on weight.

An emu and an ostrich 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.*

|  | Emu | Ostrich |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weight | 18–60 kg | 63–156 kg |
| Height | 1.5–1.9 m | 1.7–2.8 m |
| Top speed | 50 km/h | 60–70 km/h |
| Typical lifespan | 10–20 yr | 30–50 yr |

## What the numbers say

- Ostrich is 2.8× emu on weight.
- Ostrich is somewhat greater than emu on height — about 1.4×.
- Ostrich is somewhat greater than emu on top speed — about 1.4×.
- Ostrich is 3.3× emu on typical lifespan.

*Weight compared.*

- Ostrich: 63–156 kg
- Emu: 18–60 kg

## Emu

The second-tallest bird, native to Australia and capable of covering long distances at a steady trot.

## Ostrich

The largest and fastest bird, laying eggs that weigh about 1.4 kg each.

> 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, emu or ostrich?

Ostrich is 2.8× emu on weight. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.

### How do emus and ostriches compare on height?

Emu: 1.5–1.9 m. Ostrich: 1.7–2.8 m. Ostrich is somewhat greater than emu on height — about 1.4×.

### How do emus and ostriches compare on top speed?

Emu: 50 km/h. Ostrich: 60–70 km/h. Ostrich is somewhat greater than emu on top speed — about 1.4×.

## Related pages

- [Lion vs ostrich](https://atoneplace.net/vs/lion-vs-ostrich/)
- [Emperor penguin vs emu](https://atoneplace.net/vs/emperor-penguin-vs-emu/)

## Sources

- Wikidata — Wikimedia Foundation (https://www.wikidata.org/) [CC0 1.0]
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Smithsonian Institution (https://naturalhistory.si.edu/)