How big is a sperm whale?
Quick Answer
Sperm whales typically measure 50-60 feet (15-18 meters) in length.
Key Facts
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🔍 3,600/moHow Big Is A Sperm whale?
They can reach 18m (60 ft) / 45-60 tons. Size varies by sex, with males typically larger than females in most species.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Marine mammal |
| Family | Cetacea |
| Habitat | Oceans worldwide |
| Conservation | Protected in most countries |
| Research Status | Ongoing scientific study |
The Short Answer
Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are the largest toothed whales and the largest toothed predators ever to exist. Adult males reach impressive lengths of 50-60 feet (15-18 meters) and weigh 35-45 tons (31,750-40,800 kg). Females are considerably smaller at 33-40 feet (10-12 m) and 14-18 tons. Their enormous block-shaped heads can comprise up to one-third of their total body length.
Sperm Whale Size by Sex and Age
Sperm whales exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism—one of the greatest among all cetaceans:
| Life Stage | Male Length | Male Weight | Female Length | Female Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 13 ft (4 m) | 1 ton | 13 ft (4 m) | 1 ton |
| Juvenile (5 yrs) | 25 ft (7.6 m) | 6 tons | 22 ft (6.7 m) | 4 tons |
| Sub-adult (15 yrs) | 40 ft (12 m) | 20 tons | 32 ft (9.8 m) | 12 tons |
| Adult | 50-60 ft (15-18 m) | 35-45 tons | 33-40 ft (10-12 m) | 14-18 tons |
| Maximum Recorded | 67 ft (20.5 m) | 63 tons | 41 ft (12.5 m) | 24 tons |
Sperm Whale Body Proportions
The sperm whale’s unique body proportions set it apart from all other whales:
| Body Part | Size/Proportion | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Head | 1/3 of body length | Contains spermaceti organ |
| Brain | 17-20 lbs (7.7-9 kg) | Largest brain of any animal |
| Lower Jaw | 16 ft (5 m) in males | Contains 40-52 conical teeth |
| Teeth | 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) | Weigh up to 2.2 lbs each |
| Blowhole | Left side of head | Distinctive angled blow |
| Fluke Width | 15-16 ft (4.5-5 m) | Triangular, deeply notched |
| Dorsal Hump | 2 ft (0.6 m) | Series of ridges behind |
According to NOAA Fisheries, the sperm whale’s massive head houses the largest brain of any known animal—five times heavier than a human brain.
Size Comparison: Sperm Whales vs. Other Species
| Species | Length | Weight | Head Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sperm Whale (Male) | 50-60 ft (15-18 m) | 35-45 tons | 33% of body |
| Blue Whale | 80-100 ft (24-50-60 feet (15-18 meters)) | 150-35-45 tons | 20% of body |
| Humpback Whale | 40-60 ft (12-18 m) | 25-40 tons | 25% of body |
| Orca | 20-26 ft (6-8 m) | 3-6 tons | 20% of body |
| Giant Squid | 33-43 ft (10-13 m) | 440-600 lbs | Primary prey |
The Enormous Sperm Whale Head
The sperm whale’s head is its most distinctive feature and deserves special attention:
| Head Component | Size | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Total Head Length | 16-20 ft (5-6 m) | One-third of body |
| Spermaceti Organ | 2,000+ gallons | Buoyancy control, echolocation |
| Melon | ~500 gallons | Sound focusing |
| Junk | Multiple sections | Sound amplification |
| Nasal Passages | Complex structure | Clicking sound production |
The Smithsonian Institution explains that the spermaceti organ—containing up to 2,000 gallons of waxy oil—helps regulate buoyancy during the whale’s deep dives and may focus their powerful echolocation clicks.
Growth and Development
Sperm whales are slow-growing but long-lived:
| Growth Milestone | Age | Size Achieved |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | 0 | 13 ft (4 m), 1 ton |
| Weaning | 2 years | 20-23 ft (6-7 m) |
| Sexual Maturity (F) | 7-13 years | 30-35 ft (9-10.7 m) |
| Sexual Maturity (M) | 10-12 years | 36-40 ft (11-12 m) |
| Physical Maturity (M) | 50 years | 50+ ft (15+ m) |
| Lifespan | 60-70+ years | Maximum size |
Males continue growing throughout their lives, which is why the oldest males are typically the largest.
Why Are Sperm Whales So Large?
Deep Diving Specialists
Sperm whales dive deeper than almost any mammal—over 7,000 feet (2,100 m). Their large body stores oxygen for dives lasting up to 90 minutes.
Giant Squid Hunters
Their primary prey, giant and colossal squid, are themselves enormous. Large body size and powerful jaws are essential for capturing these deep-sea prey.
Heat Retention
Large bodies maintain temperature better in the frigid deep ocean, where sperm whales spend much of their time hunting.
Spermaceti Buoyancy System
The massive head contains the spermaceti organ, which may help control buoyancy during deep dives. Learn more about why sperm whales got their name.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a sperm whale?
Male sperm whales typically measure 50-60 feet (15-18 m), with the largest recorded at 67 feet (20.5 m). Females are smaller at 33-40 feet (10-12 m).
Is the sperm whale the biggest whale?
No, the blue whale is the largest whale at 80-100 feet. However, the sperm whale is the largest toothed whale and the largest toothed predator ever to exist.
How big is a sperm whale compared to a school bus?
A large male sperm whale at 60 feet is about 1.5 times longer than a standard 40-foot school bus, and weighs roughly 3-4 times as much.
Why is the sperm whale’s head so big?
The enormous head houses the spermaceti organ (used for buoyancy and echolocation), the brain, and powerful acoustic equipment for producing the loudest sounds of any animal—up to 230 decibels.
How big is a baby sperm whale?
Newborn sperm whales are already 13 feet (4 m) long and weigh about 1 ton (900 kg). They nurse for 2 years and grow rapidly during this period.
Historical Size Records
During the whaling era, some exceptionally large sperm whales were documented:
| Record | Measurement | Year | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longest Male | 67 ft (20.5 m) | 1950 | Antarctic |
| Heaviest Male | 63 tons | 1947 | Pacific |
| Largest Head | 21 ft (6.4 m) | Unknown | Azores |
| Heaviest Spermaceti | 3.5 tons | 1820s | Pacific |
Modern sperm whales rarely reach these sizes, possibly due to the selective removal of the largest individuals during commercial whaling.
Conservation and Size
Understanding sperm whale size is vital for conservation:
- Entanglement risk: Large whales encounter more fishing gear
- Ship strikes: Major threat in shipping lanes
- Population recovery: Sizes may be returning to pre-whaling norms
- Climate impacts: Prey distribution changes affect growth
The global sperm whale population is estimated at 300,000-450,000 individuals, recovering after decades of protection from commercial whaling.
Amazing Size Facts
- A sperm whale’s intestines can be over 300 feet long
- Their heart weighs about 277 pounds (126 kg)
- Sperm whales were the inspiration for Moby Dick, though the fictional whale was described as a rare white specimen
- A single tooth can weigh up to 2.2 pounds and was historically used for scrimshaw
- The sperm whale’s click is the loudest sound made by any animal—loud enough to stun prey
The sperm whale’s impressive size—especially its massive head—makes it one of the ocean’s most distinctive and awe-inspiring creatures. For more whale size comparisons, explore how big are whales.
Related Questions
Sources & References
Last verified: 2026-02-02
People Also Ask
Why is sperm whale called a sperm whale??
Sperm whales are named after spermaceti, a waxy substance found in their massive heads. Early whalers mistakenly believed this oil-like substance was the whale's sperm. Spermaceti was highly valued for making candles, lubricants, and cosmetics, driving extensive commercial whaling of this species.
How Long Is A Sperm Whale??
Adult male sperm whales reach 15-18 meters (49-59 feet) in length, while females are significantly smaller at 11-12 meters (36-39 feet). The largest recorded sperm whale was 20.7 meters (68 feet). Sperm whales have the most extreme sexual dimorphism of any cetacean, with males being 30-50% longer...
how big is a blue whale?
Blue whales are the largest animals ever known to exist, growing up to 100 feet (30 meters) long and weighing as much as 200 tons (181 metric tonnes).
How Big Are Whales??
Size varies by sex, with males typically larger than females in most species.
Test Your Knowledge: Sperm Whale
Diet: giant squid, fish, octopus