Megalodon Facts and Statistics

The Size of a Giant

Maximum Length: Scientists estimate that Megalodon could reach lengths between 15 to 18 meters (50 to 60 feet). Some estimates suggest even up to 20 meters (65 feet).

Average Length: While the monsters got the attention, many individuals probably averaged around 14 meters (46 feet).

Comparison: Megalodon was roughly three times larger than the largest recorded Great White Shark, which tops out around 6 meters (20 feet).

Estimated Weight: A fully grown Megalodon is estimated to have weighed between 48,000 to 103,000 kilograms (53 to 114 tons).

A Fearsome Bite

Tooth Size: A single Megalodon tooth could measure up to 18 centimeters (7 inches) in length, which is about the size of a standard human hand.

Number of Teeth: Like modern sharks, Megalodons went through thousands of teeth in their lifetime. Their jaws were lined with multiple rows of teeth, totaling around 250 teeth at any given time.

Bite Force: Scientists estimate that Megalodon had one of the most powerful bites in animal history. The estimated bite force was between 108,514 and 182,201 Newtons, which is roughly 10 times stronger than a Great White and 3 times stronger than a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Diet and Apex Predator Status

Apex Predator: Megalodon was at the very top of the food chain. It had no natural predators.

Diet: Its preferred prey were baleen whales, ancient sperm whales, giant dolphins, and other large marine mammals.

Fossil Evidence: We know they ate whales because scientists have found fossilized whale bones with distinct Megalodon bite marks scarred into them.