The short answer: An adult great white shark typically weighs between 680 and 1,100 kilograms (1,500 to 2,400 pounds), though exceptionally large females can exceed this range. Weight depends on age, sex, and how recently the shark has fed.
Great white shark weight by type
Weight varies a great deal with size and life stage. Here are roughly typical figures for great white sharks at different ages.
| Type (example) | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| Newborn pup (~1.2 m) | About 30 kg (65 lb) |
| Juvenile (~2.5 m) | About 100 to 200 kg (220 to 440 lb) |
| Adult male (~3.5 m) | About 520 to 770 kg (1,150 to 1,700 lb) |
| Adult female (~4.5 m) | About 680 to 1,100 kg (1,500 to 2,400 lb) |
| Exceptionally large female | Up to roughly 1,900 kg (4,200 lb) |
What affects great white shark weight
- Sex. Females are typically larger and heavier than males of the same age.
- Age and length. Weight rises sharply with body length because mass scales roughly with the cube of length.
- Recent feeding. A shark that has just eaten a seal can be noticeably heavier than the same animal when hungry.
- Region and prey. Populations with rich, fatty prey such as seals tend to grow bulkier.
- Season. Body condition fluctuates through the year with feeding and migration cycles.
How great white shark weight compares
A large great white at roughly 1,100 kg weighs about as much as a small car, or close to 15 adult humans combined.
Frequently asked questions
What is the heaviest great white shark ever recorded?
Reliable records describe individuals around 1,900 kilograms (about 4,200 pounds), and a few unverified reports claim more. Most adults are far lighter, in the 680 to 1,100 kilogram range.
How much does a baby great white shark weigh?
Newborn pups are about 1.2 to 1.5 meters long and weigh roughly 30 kilograms (about 65 pounds).
Are female great white sharks heavier than males?
Yes. Females grow larger overall and are usually heavier than males of the same age, which is common among sharks.
