A LITTLE WILDLIFE PERSPECTIVE
How tall is a western gorilla?
Compare your height to a western gorilla.
Western gorillas average about 1.75 m for males and 1.25 m for females when standing upright. They usually move on all fours.
A LITTLE PERSPECTIVE
Western gorilla
next to the average.
Average U.S. adults, side by side.
- Average man (U.S.)5 ft 8.9 in
- Western gorilla4 ft 1.2 in
- Average woman (U.S.)5 ft 3.5 in
How do you measure up?
Enter your height to stand beside a western gorilla.
Side by side
- Western gorilla4 ft 1.2 in
- Your placeAdd your height
The animal is an example adult in the pose shown. Its full outline is scaled to 125 cm. Shoulder height and body length are explained below.
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GET TO KNOW THE ANIMAL
Small facts. Big discoveries.
Western gorilla · Gorilla gorilla
A gorilla’s long arms help it move on its knuckles. When it stands up, the top of its head rises much higher than in its everyday walking posture.
Western gorillas feed on forest plants, including stems, leaves, fruit, and bark, and may climb trees to reach a meal. Calls, facial expressions, touch, and body posture all contribute to their communication, so the familiar chest and shoulders are only part of their story.
- Mature males develop the gray back hair that gives “silverbacks” their name.
- Western gorillas have broad chests and much longer arms than legs.
How big do adults get?
- Male
- About 1.75 m standing; 180 kg average
- Female
- About 1.25 m standing; roughly half the male weight
These are averages, not maximums. The comparison silhouette shows a lower, knuckle-walking posture instead of an upright measurement.
Height, length, or weight?
Standing height runs from the ground to the top of the animal. Shoulder height stops at the top of the shoulders. Length runs along the body; it is not how tall an animal stands. Weight tells us how heavy it is.
Explore the science: Animal Diversity Web · University of Michigan ↗