The short answer: An adult gray whale typically weighs about 30,000 to 40,000 kg (66,000 to 88,000 lb), or roughly 30 to 40 metric tons.
Gray whale weight by type
Weight varies with age, sex, and condition. Here are typical figures.
| Type (example) | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| Newborn calf | About 500 to 900 kg (1,100 to 1,985 lb) |
| Adult male | About 30,000 to 36,000 kg (66,000 to 79,000 lb) |
| Adult female | About 33,000 to 40,000 kg (73,000 to 88,000 lb) |
| Large adult | Up to roughly 41,000 kg (90,000 lb) |
What affects gray whale weight
- Sex. Females are generally a bit larger and heavier than males.
- Season. Whales gain weight heavily during summer feeding.
- Age. Calves grow rapidly while nursing.
- Migration. Long journeys can reduce body weight.
- Food supply. Feeding-ground productivity shapes condition.
How gray whale weight compares
A gray whale weighs about as much as six adult elephants, despite reaching only around 15 m (49 ft) long.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a gray whale weigh?
Adult gray whales typically weigh about 30 to 40 metric tons (66,000 to 88,000 lb).
How heavy is a baby gray whale?
A newborn calf weighs roughly 500 to 900 kg and grows quickly while nursing.
Why do gray whales lose weight during migration?
They feed little while migrating up to 20,000 km, drawing on fat reserves built up in summer.
