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Great white shark vs Polar bear

Great white shark vs polar bear
Great white shark is larger on weight
Great white shark is 2.2× polar bear on weight.

A great white shark and a polar bear 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.
Great white shark Polar bear
Weight 520–2,000 kg 150–700 kg
Length 3.4–6.1 m 1.8–3 m
Top speed 25–40 km/h 40 km/h
Typical lifespan 50–73 yr 20–32 yr
Bite force 4,000 psi 1,200 psi

What the numbers say

  • Great white shark is 2.2× polar bear on weight.
  • Great white shark is 1.9× polar bear on length.
  • Great white shark and polar bear are near enough identical on top speed.
  • Great white shark is 2.8× polar bear on typical lifespan.
  • Great white shark is 3.3× polar bear on bite force.

Weight compared.

Great white shark 520–2,000 kg
Polar bear 150–700 kg

Great white shark

The largest predatory fish, and the species responsible for most unprovoked shark bites on humans.

Polar bear

The largest living land carnivore, classified as a marine mammal because it hunts from sea ice.

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, great white shark or polar bear?
Great white shark is 2.2× polar bear on weight. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.
How do great white sharks and polar bears compare on length?
Great white shark: 3.4–6.1 m. Polar bear: 1.8–3 m. Great white shark is 1.9× polar bear on length.
How do great white sharks and polar bears compare on top speed?
Great white shark: 25–40 km/h. Polar bear: 40 km/h. Great white shark and polar bear are near enough identical on top speed.

Related pages

Sources

  1. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — NOAA (Public domain (US Government))
  2. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Smithsonian Institution
  3. Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place

How these figures are compiled and checked