Real size
How big is the United States really?
9.44 million km²
3.64 million sq mi · 3rd largest of the 167 here · about the size of China
Normal web maps draw it 2.3× too big
The United States covers 9.44 million km² (3.64 million sq mi), about the size of China. A normal web map draws it about 2.3 times too big, because it lies far from the equator (around 45°N), and those maps stretch land more the closer it gets to the North Pole.
Measured from our map outlines, so official figures can differ by a few percent. Ranks count the 167 countries and territories on these pages: those over 5,000 km², not counting disputed territories.
- Real area
- 9.44 million km²
- Size rank
- 3rd of 167
- On a normal web map
- 2.3× too big
- Latitude
- 45°N
Countries about the same size
- ChinaAbout the same size
- CanadaAbout the same size
- BrazilThe United States is 1.1 times the size of Brazil
- AustraliaThe United States is 1.2 times the size of Australia
- RussiaRussia is 1.8 times the size of the United States
The United States through history
Borders here have moved many times. Step through our maps, from 2000 BCE to today, to see who ruled this land before, and how big their realms really were.
Open the history map →Browse the eras →
Common questions
- How big is the United States?
- The United States covers about 9.44 million km² (3.64 million sq mi). It is the 3rd largest of the 167 countries and territories on these pages (those over 5,000 km²).
- Why does the United States look so big on maps?
- Most web maps use the Mercator projection, which keeps shapes right but stretches area more and more toward the poles. Averaged over the whole country, it draws the United States about 2.3 times too big.
- Is the United States bigger than Brazil?
- Yes. The United States is about 1.1 times the size of Brazil.
- Is the United States bigger than China?
- They are about the same size: within 5% of each other.
- Is the United States bigger than Canada?
- They are about the same size: within 5% of each other.