The short answer: An adult male orca usually weighs about 3,600 to 5,400 kg (8,000 to 12,000 lb), while females are lighter at roughly 1,400 to 3,600 kg (3,000 to 8,000 lb).
Orca weight by type
Orcas, or killer whales, are the largest members of the dolphin family, and their weight varies with sex, age, and population.
| Type (example) | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| Adult male | 3,600-5,400 kg (8,000-12,000 lb) |
| Adult female | 1,400-3,600 kg (3,000-8,000 lb) |
| Large bull orca | up to about 6,000 kg (13,000 lb) |
| Juvenile | around 1,000-1,800 kg (2,200-4,000 lb) |
| Newborn calf | about 130-180 kg (290-400 lb) |
What affects orca weight
- Sex. Males grow substantially heavier and longer than females.
- Age. Orcas keep gaining mass through their first couple of decades.
- Population (ecotype). Different orca populations vary in average size and build.
- Diet. Fish-eating and mammal-eating orcas differ in body condition.
- Blubber. Fat reserves shift weight depending on food availability.
- Health. Illness or food scarcity can reduce an orca's mass.
How orca weight compares
A large male orca weighs roughly as much as four or five small cars, while a newborn calf is already heavier than a large refrigerator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a killer whale weigh?
Adult male orcas weigh about 3,600 to 5,400 kg (8,000 to 12,000 lb), and females typically weigh less.
Are male or female orcas heavier?
Males are noticeably heavier and longer than females, sometimes nearly twice the weight.
How much does a baby orca weigh?
A newborn orca calf weighs roughly 130 to 180 kg (290 to 400 lb) at birth.
