Porpoise vs dolphin vs narwhal vs killer whale: size comparison
This page compares the physical dimensions and weight of porpoises, dolphins, narwhals, and killer whales. Seeing these animals side-by-side helps visualize the significant scale differences between these marine species.
How much space each takes up
- porpoise
- dolphin
- narwhal
- killer whale
Killer whale is about 4.7 times the size of porpoise.
- porpoise
- about 4.92 ft (1.5 m) long and 19.7 in (50 cm) tall · 121 lb (55 kg)
- dolphin
- about 8.53 ft (2.6 m) long and 27.6 in (70 cm) tall · 441 lb (200 kg)
- narwhal
- about 16.4 ft (5 m) long and 3.94 ft (1.2 m) tall · 1.32 US tons (1.2 tonnes)
- killer whale
- about 23 ft (7 m) long and 9.19 ft (2.8 m) tall · 4.41 US tons (4 tonnes)
Typical adult or standard sizes; real ones vary.
Questions people ask
- How much bigger is a killer whale than a porpoise?
- The killer whale is about 4.7 times the size of porpoise.
- What is the size difference between a dolphin and a narwhal?
- A dolphin is about 8.53 ft (2.6 m) long and 27.6 in (70 cm) tall, while a narwhal is about 16.4 ft (5 m) long and 3.94 ft (1.2 m) tall.
- How heavy are these animals?
- A porpoise is 121 lb (55 kg), a dolphin is 441 lb (200 kg), a narwhal is 1.32 US tons (1.2 tonnes), and a killer whale is 4.41 US tons (4 tonnes).