Tortoise vs snapping turtle vs sea turtle: size comparison
Tortoises, snapping turtles, and sea turtles differ significantly in their physical dimensions and weight. Comparing these three types helps illustrate how their sizes vary across land, freshwater, and ocean environments.
Biggest vs smallest
2.44× the size
sea turtle vs tortoise
- tortoise
- about 17.7 in (45 cm) long and 9.84 in (25 cm) tall · 22 lb (10 kg)
- snapping turtle
- about 19.7 in (50 cm) long and 7.87 in (20 cm) tall · 26.5 lb (12 kg)
- sea turtle
- about 3.61 ft (1.1 m) long and 15.7 in (40 cm) tall · 298 lb (135 kg)
Typical adult or standard sizes; real ones vary.
Questions people ask
- How big is a tortoise?
- A tortoise is about 17.7 in (45 cm) long and 9.84 in (25 cm) tall, weighing 22 lb (10 kg).
- How do snapping turtles compare to tortoises?
- A snapping turtle is about 19.7 in (50 cm) long and 7.87 in (20 cm) tall, weighing 26.5 lb (12 kg).
- What is the size of a sea turtle?
- A sea turtle is about 3.61 ft (1.1 m) long and 15.7 in (40 cm) tall, weighing 298 lb (135 kg).