Ever spot a chipmunk darting through your yard and wonder just how big those little guys can get? Chipmunks are definitely on the small side, but their size isn’t always the same—it really depends on which species you’re looking at.
Most chipmunks end up about 4 to 7 inches long, and their tails tack on another 3 to 5 inches. So, all stretched out, they can reach up to around a foot.
Chipmunks usually weigh between 1 and 5 ounces. That’s surprisingly light, especially when you compare them to other small mammals. The eastern chipmunk, for example, gets pretty big for a chipmunk and sometimes stretches close to 12 inches if you count the tail.
People who love watching wildlife or just want to know more about these speedy, stripey critters might be surprised by how much chipmunk sizes vary. If you’re curious, you can find more info in this Chipmunk Facts article.
Chipmunk Size By Species
Chipmunk size depends a lot on the species. Some stay tiny and light, while others can bulk up a bit more.
Their total size includes both body and tail, and some chipmunks have tails that really add to their length.
Average Chipmunk Size and Weight
Most chipmunks measure about 7 to 10 inches long, tail included. Their bodies alone are usually 5 to 6 inches.
Weight usually falls between 2 and 5 ounces. The eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus), which you’ll find all over North America, can reach 8 to 12 inches in total and weighs about 2 to 5 ounces.
A lot of western chipmunks in the Neotamias group are about the same size. Their tails? Sometimes nearly half their full length.
Largest Chipmunk Species
Eastern chipmunks top the size charts. They can grow up to 12 inches long, including their tail.
That’s longer than most other Tamias chipmunks. Buller’s chipmunk and Uinta chipmunk, both in the Neotamias genus, also get pretty big.
They can reach 10 or 11 inches and usually weigh more than the smaller species. Their tails are also on the longer side.
Smallest Chipmunk Species
The tiniest chipmunks are, well, really tiny. The least chipmunk (Neotamias minimus) might only measure 7.2 to 8.5 inches total and weighs a lot less.
The Hopi chipmunk and Palmer’s chipmunk also fit into this small category. Their tails are shorter, and they rarely weigh more than 2 ounces.
The Siberian chipmunk (Eutamias sibiricus) lives mostly in Asia and falls somewhere in the middle for size, but it’s usually smaller than the eastern chipmunk.
Physical Features Impacting Chipmunk Size
Chipmunks have some pretty unique body parts that affect how big they look and how they get around. Their tails and cheeks especially stand out.
These features help chipmunks balance, stash food, and make it through life in the wild.
Tail Length and Body Proportions
A chipmunk’s tail is almost half its body length. Most chipmunks have tails that are 3.5 to 5 inches long, while their bodies run about 5.5 to 7.5 inches.
Some of the bigger species, like the Uinta chipmunk, can reach 10 to 12 inches total, with tails that add another 4 to 6 inches.
The tail helps chipmunks balance when they climb or leap. It also comes in handy for communication and keeping their body temperature in check.
Chipmunks belong to the squirrel family (Sciuridae), so their tails are bushy, but not quite as long as a tree squirrel’s. Their compact bodies and decent tail length make them great climbers and super fast on the ground.
Cheek Pouches and Storage Capacity
One thing you can’t miss about chipmunks is their cheek pouches. These little pockets balloon out and actually hold food up to three times bigger than their heads. Wild, right?
Chipmunks use these pouches to scoop up loads of seeds, nuts, or even insects all at once. It’s pretty efficient if you think about it.
You’ll find these pouches tucked inside their mouths, unlike some rodents with pouches on the outside. Chipmunks rely on them to haul food back to their burrows, especially when they’re prepping for winter.
When a chipmunk fills its pouches, its head suddenly looks much larger. It’s a quirky adaptation that really helps chipmunks gather and stash food quickly—just another clever trick from the rodent world.
