Whale sharks are absolutely enormous: adults usually reach about 18–32 feet (5.5–9.8 meters) long, and the largest reliably measured individuals are around 61–62 feet (about 18.8 meters).

Quick Scoop: How big are whale sharks?

  • They are the largest fish on the planet, bigger than any other living shark species.
  • Typical adults are about the length of a city bus: 18–32 feet (5.5–9.8 meters).
  • The biggest reliably recorded whale shark is about 62 feet (18.8 meters) long.
  • Many measured individuals fall in the 30–40 foot (9–12 meter) range.
  • They are massive in weight too, with estimates around 20–25 tons (up to roughly 50,000 pounds) for the largest animals.

How that size compares

  • A large whale shark is as long as:
    • A standard school bus.
    • About three midsize cars parked bumper to bumper.
  • Blue whales are still larger (over 33 meters), but among fish, whale sharks are the undisputed giants.

Meta description (SEO):
Whale sharks are the largest fish in the sea, typically 18–32 feet long, with record individuals around 60+ feet, making them true gentle giants of the ocean.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.