A fully grown silverback gorilla is significantly stronger than a human, estimated to be about 4 to 10 times stronger than the average adult male. While an average human weighs around 130 to 200 pounds (59 to 91 kg), a silverback weighs between 300 to 485 pounds (136 to 220 kg) and has about 1.5 to 2 times more muscle mass, especially in the upper body
. In terms of lifting strength, a silverback gorilla can bench press or lift up to around 815 kg (about 1,800 pounds), whereas a well-trained human can lift a maximum of about 400 kg (around 885 pounds)
. Gorillas can also exert a pulling force exceeding 1,800 pounds (816 kg), far surpassing human capabilities in similar strength-based activities
. Gorillas have a bite force of approximately 1,300 pounds per square inch (PSI), which is about double that of a lion and far stronger than a human bite
. Their physical power is demonstrated by their ability to tear down banana trees, bend iron bars in captivity, and crush tough vegetation. Overall, silverback gorillas combine greater muscle mass, fast-twitch muscle fibers, and higher testosterone levels, making them between 4 and 9 times stronger than the strongest humans, capable of feats that humans cannot match in raw strength
. In summary:
- Silverback gorillas are roughly 4 to 10 times stronger than humans.
- They can lift or throw over 800 kg (1,800 lbs), compared to a well-trained human’s max of about 400 kg (885 lbs).
- Gorillas have a bite force around 1,300 PSI, much stronger than humans.
- Their strength is evident in their ability to uproot trees, bend iron bars, and overpower humans easily.
This makes silverback gorillas among the strongest animals relative to humans, with strength far exceeding even the strongest human athletes
