American bison
The American bison is a large grazing mammal native to North America, recognised for its humped shoulders and thick fur.
Also known as: American buffalo, Bison bison
How big is it?
2.8 m · defined nose-to-rump length
Also 9.186 ft
Defined nose-to-rump length · defined specimen
Typical recorded range: 2.1 m to 3.5 m.
A little perspective
American bison vs Table tennis table: length comparison
The nose-to-rump length of an American bison is about 1.02 times the length of a table tennis table.
The American bison is a large grazing mammal native to North America, recognised for its humped shoulders and thick fur.
A table tennis table is a flat, rectangular surface divided by a net for playing the game of table tennis.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions. Horizontal rulers compare the selected spans; vertical brackets also identify height on the artwork.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
American bison
Defined nose-to-rump length: 2.8 m; defined specimen; range 2.1 m–3.5 m.
A defined adult American bison bull 2.8 m from nose to rump and 700 kg. Sex, age and population produce wide variation; the tail is excluded from the measured body span.
Smithsonian National Zoo — American bison
The marked defined nose-to-rump length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Table tennis table
Length: 2.74 m; standard.
2.74 × 1.525 m playing surface. Excludes surrounding space.
WA Government — table tennis dimensions
The marked length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
Change your perspective
Put it next to…
Choose a suggestion to redraw the comparison, or open its page to learn what it is.
Why this measurement?
Why we use 2.8 m
We compare the nose-to-rump length of an American bison. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same. The recorded range is 2.1 m to 3.5 m.
A defined adult American bison bull 2.8 m from nose to rump and 700 kg. Sex, age and population produce wide variation; the tail is excluded from the measured body span.
The marked horizontal span follows the measured feature, not the edges of the image. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8 m | 2.1 m to 3.5 m | defined specimen | |
| 700 kg | 450 kg to 900 kg | defined specimen |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueLiving thingsCow2.5 mBody lengthA cow is a domesticated animal raised for milk, meat, and leather.
Around the same scaleSport and equipmentTable tennis table2.74 mLengthA table tennis table is a flat, rectangular surface divided by a net for playing the game of table tennis.
Nearest higher valueLiving thingsAndean condor3.1 mDefined adult wingspanThe Andean condor is a large vulture found in South America, notable for its broad wings and soaring flight.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- Smithsonian National Zoo — American bisonAdult body dimensions and mass vary strongly by sex and age; the atlas uses a defined bull within published ranges.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
Living thingsAmerican bison2.8 mThe American bison is a large grazing mammal native to North America, recognised for its humped shoulders and thick fur.Living thingsCow2.5 mA cow is a domesticated animal raised for milk, meat, and leather.SportTable tennis table2.74 mA table tennis table is a flat, rectangular surface divided by a net for playing the game of table tennis.
SpaceParker Solar Probe3 mThe Parker Solar Probe is a NASA spacecraft launched to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere at close range.Living thingsAndean condor3.1 mThe Andean condor is a large vulture found in South America, notable for its broad wings and soaring flight.
TransportApollo command module3.23 mThe Apollo command module was the conical spacecraft section that housed astronauts during NASA's Apollo lunar missions and re-entered Earth's atmosphere.
Everyday thingsLiving-room rug3 mA living-room rug is a large textile floor covering used to add comfort and style to a room.
Built worldBuilding storey3 mA building storey is a single level of a structure between two floors or a floor and a ceiling.