Which is larger, a mouse or a hamster? - briefly
Hamsters typically exceed mice in size, with adult hamsters weighing 100–200 g and measuring 10–15 cm, while common house mice weigh 20–30 g and measure 7–10 cm. Consequently, a hamster is larger than a mouse.
Which is larger, a mouse or a hamster? - in detail
The common house mouse (Mus musculus) typically measures 6–10 cm from nose to base of the tail, with a tail length of an additional 5–10 cm. Body mass ranges from 15 to 30 g.
The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) usually reaches 12–18 cm in head‑body length, plus a 5–7 cm tail that is often reduced or absent. Adult weight falls between 100 and 150 g, with some individuals exceeding 200 g.
Typical size comparison
- Length (head‑body): mouse ≈ 6–10 cm; hamster ≈ 12–18 cm
- Tail length: mouse ≈ 5–10 cm; hamster ≈ 0–7 cm
- Mass: mouse ≈ 15–30 g; hamster ≈ 100–150 g
Even the smallest hamster specimens outweigh the largest mouse by a factor of three to five. Consequently, a hamster is consistently larger than a mouse in both linear dimensions and body mass.