
Gorillas are known for their muscular bodies, with male gorillas weighing anywhere from 135 to 225 kilograms. In relative terms, gorillas' bodies don't have a lot more muscle than humans, with zoo gorillas' muscle mass at 37% of their overall weight, while the average man is 42% muscle and the average woman is 36%. However, in absolute terms, gorillas have a lot more muscle due to their larger body weight, and it is estimated that they could deadlift twice as much as the world's strongest man. Their strength is also evident in their bite force, which is one of the strongest in the animal kingdom at around 1300 pounds per square inch. The muscularity of gorillas is particularly noticeable in their arms, which are used for walking and swinging through their habitat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle mass | 37% of their overall weight |
| Bite force | 1300 pounds per square inch |
| Weight | 135-225 kilograms |
| Estimated strength | Six times the maximum of a human |
| Arm span | 7.5-8.5 feet |
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What You'll Learn

Gorillas have a similar muscle mass to humans
Gorillas' strength comes from their large and long canines, which are designed for intimidation, and their powerful jaw muscles, which allow them to tear through bark, roots, bamboo, vines, and twigs. Their bite force is one of the strongest in the animal kingdom, at around 1300 pounds per square inch, double that of a lion.
Male gorillas can weigh between 300 and 500 pounds, and their estimated strength is around six times that of a human. They also have a longer arm span, giving them greater reach. The muscularity of their arms is also attributed to the fact that they rely on their arms for walking and swinging.
Despite their impressive strength, gorillas are known for their gentle behaviour.
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Gorillas are much stronger than humans
Gorillas' arms are particularly muscled because they rely on them for walking and swinging. They also have an arm span of 7.5-8.5 feet, giving them the reach on just about any human.
Gorillas' jaw muscles are strong enough to tear through bark, roots, bamboo, vines, and twigs. They have a bite force of around 1300 pounds per square inch, double that of a lion and stronger than a great white shark.
Despite their strength, gorillas are known for their gentle behaviour.
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Gorillas have a strong bite force
Gorillas' bodies don't have a lot more muscle than humans in relative terms, but because they weigh more than twice as much as us, they have a lot more muscle in absolute terms. Male gorillas can weigh anywhere from 300 to 500 pounds (135-225 kilograms). Their estimated strength is around six times the maximum of a human. They have an arm span of 7.5-8.5 feet (2.3-2.6 metres), meaning they've got the reach on just about any human.
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Gorillas are not as mighty as apes
Gorillas are incredibly strong, with a bite force of around 1300 pounds per square inch, double that of a lion. Their jaw muscles are strong enough to tear through bark, roots, bamboo, vines and twigs. Male gorillas can weigh anywhere from 135 to 225 kilograms, and their estimated strength is around six times the maximum of a human.
However, it is theorised that humans have traded strength for control over their muscles. This means that while gorillas may be stronger, humans have more control over their physical strength.
The arms of mountain gorillas are particularly muscled due to the way they walk and swing through the trees, relying on their arms for movement.
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Gorillas are muscular despite being herbivorous
Gorillas' bodies don't have a lot more muscle than humans in relative terms. One study put zoo gorillas' muscle mass at 37% of their overall weight, while the average man is 42% muscle and the average woman is 36%. However, because gorillas weigh more than twice as much as humans, they have a lot more muscle in absolute terms. This is why it's been estimated they could deadlift twice as much as the world's strongest man.
Gorillas' arms are particularly muscled due to their method of walking and swinging through trees. They have an arm span of 2.3 to 2.6 meters, giving them the reach on almost any human.
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Frequently asked questions
Gorillas' bodies don't have a lot more muscle than humans, in relative terms. One study put zoo gorillas' muscle mass at 37% of their overall weight, while the average man is 42% muscle and the average woman is 36%.
Bodybuilders can be more than 60% muscle, so they have a higher muscle mass than gorillas.
Male gorillas can weigh anywhere from 135-225 kilograms.
A gorilla's strength is estimated to be around six times the maximum of a human.











































