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Great white shark vs Saltwater crocodile

Great white shark vs saltwater crocodile
Great white shark is larger on weight
Great white shark is 2× saltwater crocodile on weight.

A great white shark and a saltwater crocodile 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 Saltwater crocodile
Weight 520–2,000 kg 76–1,300 kg
Length 3.4–6.1 m 2.5–6.3 m
Top speed 25–40 km/h 29 km/h
Typical lifespan 50–73 yr 65–100 yr
Bite force 4,000 psi 3,700 psi

What the numbers say

  • Great white shark is 2× saltwater crocodile on weight.
  • Great white shark and saltwater crocodile are near enough identical on length.
  • Great white shark is somewhat greater than saltwater crocodile on top speed — about 1.4×.
  • Great white shark and saltwater crocodile are near enough identical on typical lifespan.
  • Great white shark is somewhat greater than saltwater crocodile on bite force — about 1.1×.

Weight compared.

Great white shark 520–2,000 kg
Saltwater crocodile 76–1,300 kg

Great white shark

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

Saltwater crocodile

The largest living reptile and the animal with the hardest bite ever measured.

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 saltwater crocodile?
Great white shark is 2× saltwater crocodile on weight. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.
How do great white sharks and saltwater crocodiles compare on length?
Great white shark: 3.4–6.1 m. Saltwater crocodile: 2.5–6.3 m. Great white shark and saltwater crocodile are near enough identical on length.
How do great white sharks and saltwater crocodiles compare on top speed?
Great white shark: 25–40 km/h. Saltwater crocodile: 29 km/h. Great white shark is somewhat greater than saltwater crocodile on top speed — about 1.4×.

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