---
title: "Gray wolf vs spotted hyena — size, weight and speed compared"
description: "Spotted hyena is 1.5× gray wolf on weight. Compared on 6 measured properties, with the full range and a source for each."
url: https://atoneplace.net/vs/gray-wolf-vs-spotted-hyena/
site: "At One Place"
---

# Gray wolf vs Spotted hyena

**Gray wolf vs spotted hyena: Spotted hyena is larger on weight**

Spotted hyena is 1.5× gray wolf on weight.

A gray wolf and a spotted hyena can be compared on 6 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.*

|  | Gray wolf | Spotted hyena |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weight | 23–62 kg | 40–86 kg |
| Height | 0.66–0.95 m | 0.7–0.92 m |
| Length | 1.05–1.6 m | 0.95–1.6 m |
| Top speed | 50–65 km/h | 60 km/h |
| Typical lifespan | 6–16 yr | 12–25 yr |
| Bite force | 400 psi | 1,100 psi |

## What the numbers say

- Spotted hyena is 1.5× gray wolf on weight.
- Gray wolf and spotted hyena are near enough identical on height.
- Gray wolf and spotted hyena are near enough identical on length.
- Gray wolf and spotted hyena are near enough identical on top speed.
- Spotted hyena is 2.5× gray wolf on typical lifespan.
- Spotted hyena is 2.8× gray wolf on bite force.

*Weight compared.*

- Spotted hyena: 40–86 kg
- Gray wolf: 23–62 kg

## Gray wolf

The largest wild canid and the ancestor of the domestic dog.

## Spotted hyena

A social carnivore whose jaws crack bone; females are larger than males and lead the clan.

> 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, gray wolf or spotted hyena?

Spotted hyena is 1.5× gray wolf on weight. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.

### How do gray wolfs and spotted hyenas compare on height?

Gray wolf: 0.66–0.95 m. Spotted hyena: 0.7–0.92 m. Gray wolf and spotted hyena are near enough identical on height.

### How do gray wolfs and spotted hyenas compare on length?

Gray wolf: 1.05–1.6 m. Spotted hyena: 0.95–1.6 m. Gray wolf and spotted hyena are near enough identical on length.

## Related pages

- [Cheetah vs gray wolf](https://atoneplace.net/vs/cheetah-vs-gray-wolf/)
- [Gray wolf vs leopard](https://atoneplace.net/vs/gray-wolf-vs-leopard/)
- [Cheetah vs spotted hyena](https://atoneplace.net/vs/cheetah-vs-spotted-hyena/)
- [Leopard vs spotted hyena](https://atoneplace.net/vs/leopard-vs-spotted-hyena/)
- [Gray wolf vs snow leopard](https://atoneplace.net/vs/gray-wolf-vs-snow-leopard/)
- [Cougar vs gray wolf](https://atoneplace.net/vs/cougar-vs-gray-wolf/)
- [Cougar vs spotted hyena](https://atoneplace.net/vs/cougar-vs-spotted-hyena/)
- [Jaguar vs spotted hyena](https://atoneplace.net/vs/jaguar-vs-spotted-hyena/)
- [Gray wolf vs jaguar](https://atoneplace.net/vs/gray-wolf-vs-jaguar/)
- [African wild dog vs gray wolf](https://atoneplace.net/vs/african-wild-dog-vs-gray-wolf/)
- [Eurasian lynx vs gray wolf](https://atoneplace.net/vs/eurasian-lynx-vs-gray-wolf/)

## Sources

- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Smithsonian Institution (https://naturalhistory.si.edu/)
- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place (/about/)