The estimated number of deaths in the American Civil War ranges between about 620,000 and 700,000 people. The traditional figure often cited is approximately 620,000 military deaths, which represents roughly 2% of the U.S. population at the time
. More recent research using full census records has revised this estimate upward to around 698,000 deaths, making it the most accurate and current assessment available
. Some estimates have suggested even higher numbers, up to 750,000, but the consensus centers around the 620,000 to 700,000 range
. These deaths include soldiers killed in battle, those who died from disease, and prisoners of war who died in captivity. For example, about 110,100 Union soldiers and 94,000 Confederate soldiers were killed in battle, while disease claimed even more lives—224,580 on the Union side and 164,000 on the Confederate side
. The war was the deadliest conflict in U.S. history by far, with casualties exceeding those of all other American wars until the Vietnam War
. In summary:
- Estimated total deaths: approximately 620,000 to 700,000
- Deaths include battle deaths, disease, and deaths in captivity
- The Civil War was the deadliest conflict in American history
