Moose are the tallest members of the deer family, known for their long legs and massive bodies. When people ask about moose height, they usually mean how tall a moose stands at the shoulder. This measurement gives the most accurate idea of their true size.
On average, a full-grown moose stands about 5 to 6.5 feet tall at the shoulder. Large subspecies, especially those found in Alaska, can grow even taller. This makes moose noticeably taller than most humans and many other large animals.
Understanding moose height helps explain how they survive in cold, forested regions. Their tall build allows them to move through deep snow and reach high vegetation. Moose height is not just impressive, it plays an important role in their daily life and survival.
How Tall Is a Moose at the Shoulder?
Moose height at the shoulder is truly impressive. An adult male moose typically stands between 5 to 6.5 feet tall at the shoulder, which is taller than most humans. The shoulder height measurement is the standard way to measure these massive animals.
Female moose are slightly shorter, usually reaching about 5 to 6 feet at the shoulder. This physical dimension makes moose the tallest members of the deer family in North America. When you see a moose in person, the shoulder height alone is enough to make you realize just how big these creatures really are.
How Tall Is a Moose in Feet and Centimeters?
Understanding moose height in different measurement units helps with size comparison. Male moose stand 5 to 6.5 feet tall, which converts to approximately 150 to 200 centimeters at the shoulder.
The centimeters to feet conversion makes it easier for people using metric vs imperial units to visualize the actual size. Female moose measure around 5 to 6 feet, or 150 to 180 centimeters in height.
Moose Height Conversion Table
| Moose Type | Height (Feet) | Height (Centimeters) |
| Adult Male | 5 – 6.5 ft | 150 – 200 cm |
| Adult Female | 5 – 6 ft | 150 – 180 cm |
| Large Bull | 6.5 – 7 ft | 200 – 213 cm |
What Is the Average Height of a Full-Grown Moose?
The average height of a full-grown moose is around 6 feet at the shoulder. This average moose height applies to most adult males you’ll encounter in the wild. Bulls typically fall within this typical size range, making them one of the tallest land animals in North America.
Female moose have a slightly lower average, usually around 5.5 feet tall. These body measurements represent the standard physical dimensions for healthy adult moose. The average height can vary based on subspecies and geographic location, but 5.5 to 6 feet is the most common size range you’ll see.
What Is the Tallest Moose Ever Recorded?
The tallest moose ever recorded reached an incredible maximum height that pushed the limits of this species. The recorded maximum size for moose height shows just how large these animals can grow under ideal conditions.
While most moose fall within the typical size range, some exceptional bulls have reached extraordinary physical dimensions that represent the extreme end of the size scale.
Record-Breaking Moose Details:
- Height: Approximately 7.6 feet (233 cm) at the shoulder, making it the tallest documented moose height measurement
- Weight: Over 1,800 pounds, showing the impressive weight and height ratio of this giant
- Location: Alaska, where moose tend to reach their maximum size due to abundant food and ideal habitat conditions.
Is a Moose Taller Than a Human?
Yes, moose height is significantly greater than the average human height. A typical adult human stands around 5.5 to 6 feet tall, while a moose towers at 6 to 6.5 feet at the shoulder alone.
This human height comparison doesn’t even include the moose’s head and antlers, which add several more feet to their overall size.
Is a Moose Taller Than a Horse?
Yes, moose height exceeds that of most horses 🐎. An average horse stands about 5 to 6 feet tall at the shoulder, while a bull moose reaches 6 to 6.5 feet or more. This animal size comparison shows that moose are generally taller and much heavier than horses.
The comparative measurements reveal that even large horse breeds rarely match the shoulder height of a full-grown male moose, making moose one of the most imposing animals when placed side by side with other large mammals.
Can a Moose Be Taller Than a Car?
Yes, moose height can easily exceed the height of many cars 🚗. Most sedans and compact cars stand about 4.5 to 5.5 feet tall, which is shorter than the average moose shoulder height of 6 to 6.5 feet. This real-world size comparison becomes especially dramatic when you add the moose’s head and antlers to the total height.
SUVs and trucks are closer in height, but a large bull moose can still match or surpass them in overall size. This size visualization helps explain why moose-vehicle collisions are so dangerous the moose’s body often crashes through the windshield at head level.
Why Are Alaskan Moose Taller Than Other Moose?
Alaskan moose height surpasses that of other moose subspecies due to several environmental and biological factors. These massive animals represent the maximum height potential for the species, with bulls regularly reaching 6.5 to 7 feet at the shoulder.
The growth size variation between Alaskan moose and their relatives in other regions is significant and measurable. Understanding these dimensional differences helps explain why Alaska produces the tallest and heaviest moose in the world.
- Genetics: Alaskan moose belong to a subspecies naturally selected for larger body measurements and structural height over thousands of years
- Climate: Cold northern temperatures favor larger animals because increased mass and dimensions help retain body heat more efficiently
- Diet: Abundant vegetation and nutrient-rich food sources in Alaska support the growth of larger physical dimensions and greater overall size.
Does Moose Height Vary by Age?
Yes, moose height changes significantly as the animal matures from calf to adult. A newborn moose calf stands only about 2.5 to 3 feet tall at the shoulder, which is less than half the average height of an adult.
Young moose experience rapid growth during their first few years, with their physical dimensions increasing steadily until they reach full size. Most moose achieve their maximum height by age 4 to 5, though bulls may continue adding mass and body measurements slightly beyond that.
This growth size variation means a yearling moose might stand around 4 to 5 feet tall, while a mature bull reaches the full 6 to 6.5 feet at shoulder height.
Does Moose Height Differ Between Bulls and Cows?
Yes, moose height differs noticeably between males and females. Bulls are consistently taller and heavier than cows, with this size classification being one of the easiest ways to distinguish between the sexes from a distance.
The dimensional data shows that male moose typically stand 6 to 6.5 feet at the shoulder, while females average 5 to 6 feet. This proportional size difference is common in many animal species where males grow larger.
The comparative measurements help wildlife biologists identify the sex of moose during population surveys and research studies.
Final Thoughts
Moose are the tallest species in the deer family, with most adults standing around 5 to 6.5 feet tall at the shoulder. In some northern regions, especially Alaska, exceptionally large bulls can grow even taller. This shoulder-based measurement gives the clearest picture of their true size.
Moose height varies based on genetics, climate, diet, age, and sex. Colder environments and richer habitats tend to produce larger animals, while mature bulls are generally taller than cows. These factors explain why moose size can differ widely across regions.
Overall, moose height is not just a striking physical trait but a key survival advantage. Their tall build helps them navigate deep snow, access food, and thrive in harsh environments. This combination of size and function makes the moose one of the most impressive animals in the wild.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is a moose at the shoulder?
Most adult moose stand about 5 to 6.5 feet (150–200 cm) tall at the shoulder, which is the standard way their height is measured.
What is the average moose height in feet and centimeters?
The average moose height ranges from 5 to 6.5 feet, or roughly 150 to 200 centimeters, depending on the subspecies and region.
Is a moose taller than a human?
Yes, a moose is usually taller than an average adult human when measured at the shoulder, especially large males.
What is the tallest moose ever recorded?
The tallest recorded moose reached about 7 feet 8 inches (2.33 meters) at the shoulder, making it exceptionally large.
Does moose height vary by region?
Yes, moose from colder northern regions like Alaska are generally taller than those from more southern areas due to climate and genetics.
Daniel is a skilled content creator with 4 years of experience writing blogs on measurement, weights, and dimensions. Now, he brings his expertise to MeasureCore.com, delivering accurate, insightful, and user-friendly resources for global readers.