How big is a great white shark?

According to the Ocean Portal of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the average female great white shark is 15 to 16 feet long while the average male is 11 to 13 feet long. Very large great white sharks have been found at 20 feet long.

While great white sharks rarely attack humans, their size relative to human beings and their speed lend to their reputation as frightening creatures. A typical great white shark weighs approximately 5000 pounds. When great white shark pups are born, they average about 5 feet long. Males reach maturity by 9 or 10 years of age while females do not become fully grown until 14 to 16 years of age.