A bull moose stands 6 to 7 ft tall at the shoulder. It weighs 800 to 1,600 lb and measures 8 to 10 ft long. That makes it the largest deer species on Earth.
This moose size comparison puts the moose next to 12 animals. Each section lists height, weight, length, and a clear winner.
How Big Is a Moose?
Moose Height
A bull moose stands 5.9 to 6.9 ft at the shoulder. Cows are shorter, at about 5 to 6 ft.
The tallest moose on record reached 7.6 ft. It was taken in the Yukon in 1897, according to Guinness World Records.
Moose Weight
Bulls weigh 800 to 1,600 lb. Cows weigh 600 to 1,300 lb.
The heaviest moose on record weighed 1,808 lb. That is about the weight of two grand pianos.
Moose Length
A moose measures 8 to 10 ft from nose to tail. Its long legs add to its tall, lanky build.
Bull vs Cow Moose Size
| Measurement | Bull | Cow |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.9–6.9 ft | 5–6 ft |
| Weight | 800–1,600 lb | 600–1,300 lb |
| Length | 8–10 ft | 7.5–9 ft |
Moose Size vs Other Animals
Moose Size vs Human
Picture a hiker on a quiet trail in Alaska. A bull moose steps out of the trees. The hiker stands about 5 ft 9 in and weighs near 200 lb. The moose stands 6 to 7 ft at the shoulder, weighs 800 to 1,600 lb, and runs 8 to 10 ft long.
The hiker looks small. Even the tallest man ever, Robert Wadlow at 8 ft 11 in, would not match its weight. Winner: Moose.
Moose vs Horse Size
Now put that moose beside a ranch horse. An average horse stands 4.7 to 5.7 ft at the withers. It weighs 900 to 1,200 lb and is about 8 ft long.
The moose looks down on it. Those long legs add height, and the body adds bulk. A bull Shiras moose only matches a quarter horse in weight. Most other bulls pass it. Winner: Moose.
Giant Eland vs Moose Size
Travel to Africa for the next match. The giant eland is the largest antelope on Earth. It stands 5.2 to 6 ft, weighs 1,300 to 2,000 lb, and measures 7.5 to 9.5 ft long.
It is a thick, heavy animal. Yet the moose still stands taller. So the eland takes the scale, and the moose takes the height. Winner: Giant eland on weight, moose on height.
Moose vs Elephant Size
This one is not close. An African elephant stands 10 to 13 ft tall. It weighs 8,000 to 14,000 lb and stretches 18 to 24 ft long.
Next to it, a bull moose looks like a calf. The elephant can outweigh it 5 to 10 times over. Winner: Elephant.
Moose vs Bison Size
Back in North America, a bison bull stands in a prairie field. It is 5 to 6 ft tall, weighs 1,000 to 2,000 lb, and runs 7 to 11 ft long.
The bison is a block of muscle. It carries more weight than most moose. But the moose lifts its head higher. Winner: Bison on weight, moose on height.
Moose vs Clydesdale Size
A Clydesdale is a famous draft horse. It stands 5.3 to 6 ft, weighs 1,800 to 2,000 lb, and is 8 to 9 ft long.
This horse was bred to pull heavy loads. It is thick through the chest and legs. A moose is lean and tall by comparison. Winner: Clydesdale on weight, moose on height.
Moose vs Caribou Size
Winter in the far north tells this story well. A caribou bull stands 3.5 to 5 ft, weighs 275 to 600 lb, and measures 5.5 to 7.5 ft long.
A moose can weigh 2 to 3 times more. It also stands about 2 ft taller. Both animals live in cold forests, but only one looks like a giant. Winner: Moose.
Irish Elk vs Moose Size
Go back about 10,000 years. The Irish elk roamed Europe. It stood about 6 to 7 ft, weighed an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 lb, and was about 8 ft long.
Its body was close to a moose’s. Its antlers were not. They spread up to 12 ft wide, about double a moose’s. Fossil estimates vary, so treat these numbers with care. Winner: Draw on body size. Irish elk wins on antlers.
Moose vs Bear Size
A grizzly bear is a feared animal. It stands 3 to 4 ft on all fours, weighs 400 to 800 lb, and is 6 to 8 ft long. A moose is much heavier and far taller.
A polar bear changes the story. It weighs 900 to 1,500 lb and grows up to 10 ft long. Kodiak bears also come close. Winner: Moose over grizzly. Polar bear is close.
Kudu vs Moose Size
In the African bush, the greater kudu stands out with its spiral horns. A bull is 4.5 to 5 ft tall, weighs 400 to 700 lb, and is 6.5 to 8 ft long.
It looks tall and slim. A moose is about twice as heavy and a full foot or more taller. Winner: Moose.
Moose vs Camel Size
The Bactrian camel crosses cold Asian deserts. It stands 6 to 7 ft to the top of the hump, weighs 1,000 to 1,600 lb, and is 7 to 10 ft long.
These numbers sit very close to the moose’s. One catch: camels are measured to the hump, and moose to the shoulder. Winner: Draw. The camel edges ahead at the top end of weight.
Moose vs Elk vs Deer Size
Last, picture a mountain meadow with three animals. A bull elk stands 4.5 to 5 ft, weighs 600 to 1,100 lb, and is 7 to 9 ft long. A whitetail buck is 3 to 3.5 ft tall, weighs 150 to 300 lb, and is 5 to 7 ft long. A mule deer buck is similar, at 130 to 280 lb.
The elk looks big until the moose walks in. A bull moose weighs about 10 times more than a whitetail. Winner: Moose.
FAQ’s About Moose Size
How big is a moose compared to a human?
A bull moose is 1 to 1.5 ft taller than an average man at the shoulder. It weighs 4 to 8 times more.
Is a moose bigger than a horse?
Yes. A moose is taller and heavier than most horses. Draft horses like the Clydesdale can out-weigh it.
Is a moose bigger than a bear?
Yes, a moose is bigger than a grizzly bear. Polar and Kodiak bears come close in weight.
What is the biggest moose ever recorded?
The biggest weighed 1,808 lb and stood 7.6 ft tall. It was taken in the Yukon in 1897.
Are moose the biggest deer in the world?
Yes. The moose is the largest living member of the deer family. A bull can weigh 10 times more than a whitetail buck.