Sea turtles vary in size by species, with the leatherback sea turtle being the largest. Leatherbacks can grow up to about 2.7 meters (8 feet 10 inches) in length and weigh as much as 500 to 900 kilograms (1,100 to nearly 2,000 pounds). Other sea turtle species are generally smaller, ranging from about 60 centimeters (2 feet) to around 1.2 meters (4 feet) in length depending on the species.
Size Ranges of Sea Turtle Species
- Leatherback sea turtle: Up to 2.7 meters (8 ft 10 in) long, weighing 500 to 900 kg (1,100 to 2,000 lbs).
- Green sea turtle: Up to about 1.2 meters (4 feet) in length and weighing 300 to 400 pounds (136 to 181 kg).
- Loggerhead turtle: Between 65 and 115 cm (2.1 to 3.8 feet) in shell length, weighing 40 to 180 kg (88 to 397 lbs).
- Kemp’s Ridley and Olive Ridley: Smaller species that grow to about 70 cm (2.3 feet) and weigh up to 45 kg (100 lbs).
Thus, the biggest sea turtle is the leatherback, reaching close to 9 feet and up to around a ton in weight, while other species are notably smaller.
