Are Tigers Bigger Than Lions?

Lions may be kings, but tigers are larger—earning their place as the biggest of the world’s “big cats” (genus Panthera).

The Siberian tiger, also called the Amur tiger, holds the title for the largest tiger subspecies. These majestic creatures can reach up to 4 meters (13 feet) in total length and weigh as much as 300 kg (660 pounds). In comparison, a full-grown male lion typically measures about 1.8 to 2.1 meters (6 to 7 feet) in length, excluding the tail, and weighs between 170 to 230 kg (370 to 500 pounds). Among different tiger subspecies, however, size can vary significantly. For instance, the Bengal tiger, which is the most numerous, can weigh between 160 to 230 kg (350 to 500 pounds), which is comparable to the weight range of lions.

The size difference between tigers and lions can be attributed to their genetic makeup and evolutionary adaptations. Tigers have evolved to be solitary hunters, which may have contributed to their larger size, because it allows them to take down larger prey on their own. In contrast, lions, which live in social groups called prides, may not require the same level of individual size and strength, since they often hunt cooperatively.