A great white shark typically reaches lengths of about 11 to 16 feet (3.4 to 4.9 meters) on average, with males generally being smaller, around 11 to 13 feet, and females larger, about 15 to 16 feet. The largest reliably measured great white sharks can grow up to about 20 feet (6.1 meters) in length and weigh as much as 1,900 to over 2,200 kilograms (4,200 to 5,000 pounds).

Size Details

• Average male great white sharks measure 3.4 to 4.0 meters (11 to 13 feet) and weigh 522 to 771 kg (1,151 to 1,700 lbs).
• Average female great whites are larger, typically 4.6 to 4.9 meters (15 to 16 feet) with weights between 680 to 1,110 kg (1,500 to 2,450 lbs).
• The largest verified females have been recorded at around 6.1 meters (20 feet) and can weigh up to approximately 1,905 to 2,268 kg (4,200 to 5,000 lbs).
• Newborn great white sharks are about 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) long at birth and grow about 25 cm (9.8 inches) per year.

Maximum Recorded Sizes and Records

• The largest reliably measured individual was 6.0 meters (19.7 feet) from Western Australia in 1987.
• Another verified large female, "Deep Blue," is estimated to be around 6.1 meters (20 feet) and is an iconic specimen.
• Some older, unverified reports claimed lengths up to 11 meters (37 feet), but these have been debunked or identified as other shark species like the basking shark.

Weight and Lifespan

Great white sharks can weigh between 1,500 and 2,450 pounds on average, with some exceptionally large specimens reaching weights over 4,000 pounds. Their lifespan can be up to 70 years or more. Overall, the great white shark is one of the largest predatory fish in the ocean, known for its impressive size and power.