The short answer: Adult African elephants typically weigh between 2,500 and 6,000 kilograms (about 5,500 to 13,200 pounds), while Asian elephants weigh 2,000 to 4,000 kilograms (4,400 to 8,800 pounds).
Elephant weight by type
Weight depends on species, sex, and age. Here are typical figures.
| Type (example) | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| Newborn calf | About 90 to 120 kg (200 to 265 lb) |
| Asian elephant (adult) | About 2,000 to 4,000 kg (4,400 to 8,800 lb) |
| African forest elephant (adult) | About 2,000 to 4,000 kg (4,400 to 8,800 lb) |
| African bush elephant (female) | About 2,500 to 3,500 kg (5,500 to 7,700 lb) |
| African bush elephant (male) | About 4,000 to 6,000+ kg (8,800 to 13,200+ lb) |
What affects elephant weight
- Species. African bush elephants are the largest, ahead of forest and Asian elephants.
- Sex. Males are substantially heavier than females.
- Age. Elephants grow for decades, so older bulls are the heaviest.
- Diet. Food availability strongly affects body condition.
- Region. Local habitat and subspecies influence typical size.
How elephant weight compares
A large African bull elephant near 6,000 kg weighs about as much as four small cars, or roughly 80 adult humans combined.
Frequently asked questions
Which is bigger, an African or Asian elephant?
African elephants are larger. African bush elephants can weigh up to about 6,000 kilograms, while Asian elephants usually weigh 2,000 to 4,000 kilograms.
How much does a baby elephant weigh?
A newborn elephant calf weighs about 90 to 120 kilograms (200 to 265 pounds).
What is the heaviest land animal?
The African bush elephant is the heaviest living land animal, with large males reaching around 6,000 kilograms or more.
