How much does one mouse weigh? - briefly
A typical adult house mouse weighs between 20 g and 30 g, with most individuals averaging about 25 g.
How much does one mouse weigh? - in detail
The typical mass of an adult laboratory mouse falls between 20 g and 30 g, with most strains clustering around 25 g. Wild house mice (Mus musculus) generally weigh slightly more, ranging from 15 g to 35 g depending on season, food availability, and geographic location.
Key factors influencing individual weight:
- Species and subspecies – Different Mus species exhibit distinct size profiles; for example, the African pygmy mouse averages 6 g, while the larger field mouse can exceed 40 g.
- Sex – Males are usually 10‑20 % heavier than females within the same strain.
- Age – Newborn pups weigh 1‑2 g; weight increases rapidly during the first three weeks, reaching adult values by 6‑8 weeks.
- Genetic strain – Inbred strains such as C57BL/6 average 20‑25 g, whereas outbred CD‑1 mice often reach 30‑35 g.
- Diet and health – Caloric intake, nutrient composition, and disease status cause measurable fluctuations; obesity in lab mice can push weights above 45 g.
Measurement practices:
- Use a calibrated analytical balance with a precision of 0.01 g.
- Record weight at the same time of day to minimize diurnal variation.
- Weigh animals in a container or on a platform that reduces stress, as handling can temporarily alter body mass.
Conversions useful for comparative contexts:
- 1 g ≈ 0.035 oz
- 25 g ≈ 0.88 oz (approximately one ounce)
In summary, an individual mouse typically weighs between 15 g and 35 g, with precise values determined by species, sex, age, genetic background, and environmental conditions. Accurate assessment requires standardized weighing equipment and consistent methodology.