The short answer: An adult male orangutan typically weighs about 50 to 100 kg (110 to 220 lb), while females are much smaller at roughly 30 to 50 kg (66 to 110 lb).
Orangutan weight by type
Orangutans are large, tree-dwelling apes native to Borneo and Sumatra, and their weight varies a lot between males and females.
| Type (example) | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| Adult male | 50-100 kg (110-220 lb) |
| Adult female | 30-50 kg (66-110 lb) |
| Sumatran orangutan (male) | around 60-90 kg (130-200 lb) |
| Bornean orangutan (male) | around 50-100 kg (110-220 lb) |
| Newborn | about 1.5-2 kg (3-4.5 lb) |
What affects orangutan weight
- Sex. Adult males are typically nearly twice the size of adult females.
- Species. Bornean and Sumatran orangutans differ slightly in average build.
- Age. Orangutans keep growing for years, with males bulking up well into adulthood.
- Diet and season. Fruit availability affects how much fat an individual carries.
- Dominance status. Flanged dominant males develop heavier cheek pads and larger overall mass.
- Captivity. Zoo orangutans can be heavier than wild ones due to reliable food.
How orangutan weight compares
A large male orangutan at roughly 90 kg weighs about the same as an adult man, while a small female is closer to the weight of a large dog.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a male orangutan weigh?
Adult male orangutans typically weigh between 50 and 100 kg (110 to 220 lb), making them much heavier than females.
Why are male orangutans so much bigger than females?
Males develop larger bodies and cheek pads as a result of competition and dominance, so they often weigh roughly twice as much as females.
How much does a baby orangutan weigh?
A newborn orangutan weighs only about 1.5 to 2 kg (3 to 4.5 lb) and clings to its mother for years.
