Which is smaller: a hamster or a mouse? - briefly
A dwarf hamster’s body length is typically 4–7 cm, while a house mouse measures about 7–10 cm. Consequently, the hamster is the smaller of the two.
Which is smaller: a hamster or a mouse? - in detail
Hamsters and mice differ markedly in overall dimensions, body mass, and skeletal structure.
Typical adult Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) reach a body length of 15–18 cm, including a short, hair‑covered tail of 1–2 cm. Their weight ranges from 100 g to 150 g. Dwarf hamster species (Phodopus spp.) are smaller, with body lengths of 7–10 cm and weights of 30–45 g.
House mice (Mus musculus) exhibit a body length of 7–10 cm, not counting the tail, which adds an additional 5–10 cm. Adult weight generally falls between 15 g and 30 g.
Consequently, the smallest hamster species (dwarf hamsters) and the largest mouse specimens overlap in length, but weight remains higher in hamsters. For most domestic contexts, a mouse is lighter and, when considering tail‑excluded body size, comparable or slightly shorter than a dwarf hamster.
Key size indicators:
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Body length (excluding tail):
• Dwarf hamster: 7–10 cm
• House mouse: 7–10 cm -
Tail length:
• Dwarf hamster: 1–2 cm (hairy)
• House mouse: 5–10 cm (naked) -
Weight:
• Dwarf hamster: 30–45 g
• House mouse: 15–30 g
Overall, a mouse is generally smaller in mass, while overall length can be similar depending on the hamster species. The definitive comparison shows the mouse as the lighter, and often the more compact, animal.