Lion vs Polar bear
Lion vs polar bear
Polar bear is larger on weight
Polar bear is 2.4× lion on weight.
A lion and a polar bear 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
| Lion | Polar bear | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 120–250 kg | 150–700 kg |
| Height | 0.9–1.2 m | 1–1.6 m |
| Length | 1.6–2.5 m | 1.8–3 m |
| Top speed | 60–80 km/h | 40 km/h |
| Typical lifespan | 10–20 yr | 20–32 yr |
| Bite force | 650 psi | 1,200 psi |
What the numbers say
- Polar bear is 2.4× lion on weight.
- Polar bear is somewhat greater than lion on height — about 1.2×.
- Polar bear is somewhat greater than lion on length — about 1.1×.
- Lion is 2× polar bear on top speed.
- Polar bear is 1.8× lion on typical lifespan.
- Polar bear is 1.8× lion on bite force.
Weight compared.
Polar bear 150–700 kg
Lion 120–250 kg
Lion
The second-largest living cat and the only one that lives in permanent social groups.
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, lion or polar bear?
- Polar bear is 2.4× lion on weight. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.
- How do lions and polar bears compare on height?
- Lion: 0.9–1.2 m. Polar bear: 1–1.6 m. Polar bear is somewhat greater than lion on height — about 1.2×.
- How do lions and polar bears compare on length?
- Lion: 1.6–2.5 m. Polar bear: 1.8–3 m. Polar bear is somewhat greater than lion on length — about 1.1×.
Related pages
Sources
- Wikidata — Wikimedia Foundation (CC0 1.0)
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Smithsonian Institution
- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place