---
title: "Sperm whale vs whale shark — size, weight and speed compared"
description: "Sperm whale is 2.7× whale shark on weight. Compared on 3 measured properties, with the full range and a source for each."
url: https://atoneplace.net/vs/sperm-whale-vs-whale-shark/
site: "At One Place"
---

# Sperm whale vs Whale shark

**Sperm whale vs whale shark: Sperm whale is larger on weight**

Sperm whale is 2.7× whale shark on weight.

A sperm whale and a whale shark can be compared on 3 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.*

|  | Sperm whale | Whale shark |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weight | 15–57 t | 9,000–21,000 kg |
| Length | 11–20.5 m | 5.5–18.8 m |
| Typical lifespan | 60–70 yr | 60–130 yr |

## What the numbers say

- Sperm whale is 2.7× whale shark on weight.
- Sperm whale is 1.6× whale shark on length.
- Whale shark is somewhat greater than sperm whale on typical lifespan — about 1.2×.

*Weight compared.*

- Sperm whale: 15–57 t
- Whale shark: 9,000–21,000 kg

## Sperm whale

The largest toothed predator, diving to 2,000 m for squid and producing the loudest sound of any animal.

## Whale shark

The largest fish alive, a filter feeder that strains plankton and poses no danger to swimmers.

> 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, sperm whale or whale shark?

Sperm whale is 2.7× whale shark on weight. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.

### How do sperm whales and whale sharks compare on length?

Sperm whale: 11–20.5 m. Whale shark: 5.5–18.8 m. Sperm whale is 1.6× whale shark on length.

### How do sperm whales and whale sharks compare on typical lifespan?

Sperm whale: 60–70 yr. Whale shark: 60–130 yr. Whale shark is somewhat greater than sperm whale on typical lifespan — about 1.2×.

## Related pages

- [Humpback whale vs sperm whale](https://atoneplace.net/vs/humpback-whale-vs-sperm-whale/)
- [Blue whale vs sperm whale](https://atoneplace.net/vs/blue-whale-vs-sperm-whale/)
- [Fin whale vs sperm whale](https://atoneplace.net/vs/fin-whale-vs-sperm-whale/)
- [Humpback whale vs whale shark](https://atoneplace.net/vs/humpback-whale-vs-whale-shark/)
- [Lion's mane jellyfish vs whale shark](https://atoneplace.net/vs/lions-mane-jellyfish-vs-whale-shark/)

## Sources

- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — NOAA (https://www.noaa.gov/) [Public domain (US Government)]