The short answer: An adult hippopotamus typically weighs between 1,400 and 4,500 kilograms (about 3,100 to 9,900 pounds), with males generally larger than females.
Hippopotamus weight by type
Hippo weight varies with sex and age. Here are typical ranges.
| Type (example) | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| Newborn calf | About 25 to 50 kg (55 to 110 lb) |
| Adult female | About 1,400 to 2,500 kg (3,100 to 5,500 lb) |
| Adult male | About 1,600 to 4,500 kg (3,500 to 9,900 lb) |
| Large old bull | Up to roughly 4,500 kg (9,900 lb) or more |
What affects hippopotamus weight
- Sex. Males keep growing throughout life and can become much heavier than females.
- Age. Hippos gain weight for many years, so older bulls are the largest.
- Food supply. Access to grazing affects body condition and weight.
- Health. Disease or drought can reduce a hippo's weight significantly.
- Region. Local conditions and subspecies influence average size.
How hippopotamus weight compares
A large bull hippo near 4,500 kg weighs about as much as three small cars, or roughly 60 adult humans combined.
Frequently asked questions
Which is heavier, a hippo or a rhino?
They are similar, but large hippo bulls can outweigh most rhinos. A big hippo may reach 4,500 kilograms, heavier than a typical white rhino.
How much does a baby hippo weigh?
A newborn hippo calf weighs about 25 to 50 kilograms (55 to 110 pounds) and can already swim shortly after birth.
Do male hippos weigh more than females?
Yes. Males continue growing throughout their lives and are usually heavier than females, sometimes substantially so.
