How big is a cheetah?

According to National Geographic, the average adult cheetah weighs from 77 to 143 pounds. The African cats stand 2.5 to 3 feet tall, are between 3.5 to 4.5 feet in length, and bear tails measuring from 25.5 to 31.5 inches.

The slender body and long legs of the cheetah enable it to run from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 3 seconds. As the fastest land mammal in the world, it is also able to make sudden turns instantly in the pursuit of prey. This stealthy hunter also benefits from its distinctive spotted coat that allows it to blend into high grasses.