how much does a camel weigh
Adult camels typically weigh a few hundred kilograms, with most falling in the 300–700 kg range depending on species, sex, and build.
Quick Scoop: How much does a camel weigh?
- Many adult camels weigh between 300 and 700 kg (about 660–1,540 lb).
- Large individuals can exceed 700 kg, especially heavy males used as pack or breeding animals.
- Newborn camel calves are much lighter, often around 38–40 kg at birth in some dromedary breeds.
By type of camel
- Dromedary (one hump): Males are roughly 400–690 kg; females about 300–540 kg.
- Bactrian (two humps): Adult camels are commonly in the 300–690 kg range.
- Exceptionally big working camels described in livestock and animal profiles can go above 1,000–1,300 lb (around 450–600+ kg), with some sources noting “over 1,000 pounds” and “over 1,300 pounds” for large animals.
Simple way to think about it
If you imagine a typical riding or pack camel on a desert tour, a good rule of thumb is:
“Most adult camels weigh roughly half a metric ton.”
That means somewhere in the middle of that 300–700 kg band, with males usually on the heavier side and females a bit lighter.
| Type of camel | Typical adult weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dromedary (1 hump) | Males ~400–690 kg; females ~300–540 kg | [9]Most common riding and pack camel in hot deserts | [9]
| Bactrian (2 humps) | About 300–690 kg overall adult range | [1]Adapted to colder, Central Asian climates | [1]
| Newborn dromedary calf | Roughly 38–40 kg at birth in one documented breed | [7]Gains close to 1 kg per day in its first year in that strain | [7]
