How big is a lion?

According to National Geographic, an African lion weighs anywhere from 265 to 420 pounds. Its head and body measures anywhere from 4.5 to 6.5 feet long, and the tail adds another 26.25 to 39.5 inches in length.

The vast majority of wild lions are found in sub-Sahara Africa; however, a small population of lions (only 200 to 260) exists in the Gir Forest in India. On average, these Asian lions are larger than the African lion, weighing anywhere from 300 to 500 pounds. African lions are more plentiful, although the species is still considered vulnerable.

The African lion is the largest of all the African cats and the second largest cat species on the planet. The world's only larger cat species is the tiger.