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Giraffe vs Hippopotamus

Giraffe vs hippopotamus
Hippopotamus is larger on weight
Hippopotamus is somewhat greater than giraffe on weight — about 1.3×.

A giraffe and a hippopotamus 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.
Giraffe Hippopotamus
Weight 700–1,930 kg 1,300–3,200 kg
Height 4.3–5.9 m 1.3–1.65 m
Top speed 60 km/h 25–30 km/h
Typical lifespan 20–28 yr 40–55 yr

What the numbers say

  • Hippopotamus is somewhat greater than giraffe on weight — about 1.3×.
  • Giraffe is 3.3× hippopotamus on height.
  • Giraffe is 2× hippopotamus on top speed.
  • Hippopotamus is 1.8× giraffe on typical lifespan.

Weight compared.

Hippopotamus 1,300–3,200 kg
Giraffe 700–1,930 kg

Giraffe

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

Hippopotamus

A semi-aquatic grazer, the third-heaviest land mammal and among the most dangerous to people.

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, giraffe or hippopotamus?
Hippopotamus is somewhat greater than giraffe on weight — about 1.3×. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.
How do giraffes and hippopotamuses compare on height?
Giraffe: 4.3–5.9 m. Hippopotamus: 1.3–1.65 m. Giraffe is 3.3× hippopotamus on height.
How do giraffes and hippopotamuses compare on top speed?
Giraffe: 60 km/h. Hippopotamus: 25–30 km/h. Giraffe is 2× hippopotamus on top speed.

Related pages

Sources

  1. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Smithsonian Institution

How these figures are compiled and checked