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Lion vs Plains zebra

Lion vs plains zebra
Plains zebra is larger on weight
Plains zebra is 1.6× lion on weight.

A lion and a plains zebra 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.
Lion Plains zebra
Weight 120–250 kg 200–450 kg
Height 0.9–1.2 m 1.2–1.5 m
Length 1.6–2.5 m 2.1–2.6 m
Top speed 60–80 km/h 65 km/h
Typical lifespan 10–20 yr 12–25 yr

What the numbers say

  • Plains zebra is 1.6× lion on weight.
  • Plains zebra is somewhat greater than lion on height — about 1.2×.
  • Plains zebra is somewhat greater than lion on length — about 1.1×.
  • Lion is somewhat greater than plains zebra on top speed — about 1.2×.
  • Plains zebra is somewhat greater than lion on typical lifespan — about 1.4×.

Weight compared.

Plains zebra 200–450 kg
Lion 120–250 kg

Lion

The second-largest living cat and the only one that lives in permanent social groups.

Plains zebra

The most common zebra; every individual's stripe pattern is unique.

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, lion or plains zebra?
Plains zebra is 1.6× lion on weight. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.
How do lions and plains zebras compare on height?
Lion: 0.9–1.2 m. Plains zebra: 1.2–1.5 m. Plains zebra is somewhat greater than lion on height — about 1.2×.
How do lions and plains zebras compare on length?
Lion: 1.6–2.5 m. Plains zebra: 2.1–2.6 m. Plains zebra is somewhat greater than lion on length — about 1.1×.

Related pages

Sources

  1. Wikidata — Wikimedia Foundation (CC0 1.0)
  2. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Smithsonian Institution

How these figures are compiled and checked