Ever spotted a quick little striped critter darting across your yard? Maybe you’ve wondered how it stacks up against that bigger, bushy-tailed neighbor.
When it comes to size, chipmunks are definitely smaller than squirrels—they usually measure about half the length and weight. Squirrels can get much larger, and their long, bushy tails just make them seem even bigger.
Telling these two apart can get tricky since both love to scurry around and snack on nuts. But if you look at their size, appearance, and habits, you’ll find it’s not that hard.
If you’re curious about what really sets a chipmunk and a squirrel apart, you’re in the right place. Let’s dig in.
Chipmunk vs Squirrel: Size Comparison
At first glance, chipmunks and squirrels look pretty similar. But their size differences make it easier to tell them apart.
Both come from the Sciuridae family, which covers a bunch of small to medium-sized rodents. Still, they vary quite a bit in length, weight, and body shape.
Typical Size Ranges of Chipmunks
Chipmunks rank among the smallest rodents in the Sciuridae family. Most chipmunks stretch out to about 7 to 10 inches long, tail included.
They usually weigh between 40 and 80 grams—or about 1.4 to 2.8 ounces. Their bodies are slim and compact, with those classic stripes running down their backs.
You’ll mostly spot chipmunks scurrying along the ground or low bushes. Their small size helps them move fast and hide from predators.
Unlike some bigger rodents, chipmunks stay pretty consistent in size across different species.
Squirrel Size Variations Across Types
Squirrels, on the other hand, can get pretty big depending on the type. Tree squirrels usually measure between 12 and 20 inches, including their tails.
Their weight ranges from 400 grams (around 14 ounces) up to 1.5 kilograms (about 3.3 pounds). That’s a big leap from chipmunks.
Ground squirrels and flying squirrels fall somewhere between chipmunks and the larger tree squirrels. Some ground squirrels almost match big chipmunks in size, but most are still bigger.
The eastern fox squirrel, for example, can live for years and really outgrow any chipmunk.
Comparing Body Shape and Weight
Chipmunks have lean, small bodies with short limbs and tails. They’re light, usually under 100 grams.
Squirrels have longer bodies and those famously bushy tails. Many squirrel species weigh over 300 grams, so they’re several times heavier than chipmunks.
Their body shape changes with their habitat. Tree squirrels have strong limbs for climbing, while ground squirrels have sturdy legs for digging.
If you know these size and shape details, you’ll spot a chipmunk or a squirrel in no time. For more on their size differences, check out chipmunk vs squirrel details at HowStuffWorks.
Distinctive Species and Family Traits
Take a close look at chipmunks and squirrels. You’ll notice they share a few traits, but some differences are pretty obvious.
They come from the same family, but each type has its own look and habits.
Overview of the Sciuridae Family
It might surprise you, but both chipmunks and squirrels belong to the Sciuridae family. This group includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, flying squirrels, and chipmunks.
They’re all rodents, which means they have those sharp front teeth for gnawing. Tree squirrels—like gray squirrels and red squirrels—spend most of their time in trees.
Ground squirrels mostly stick to the ground. Flying squirrels have a flap of skin that lets them glide from tree to tree.
Chipmunks are among the smallest in the family. You’ll find the eastern chipmunk on the East Coast and the yellow-pine chipmunk out in western forests.
They’re all small, but chipmunks are usually more striped and live in underground burrows.
Differences in Appearance and Markings
One of the easiest ways to tell chipmunks and squirrels apart is by size and stripes. Chipmunks are much smaller, usually around 8 to 10 inches long and just a few ounces in weight.
Squirrels like the gray squirrel can be twice as long and a lot heavier. Chipmunks show off bold stripes running down their backs and sides—usually black or brown with white in between.
Squirrels don’t have stripes. Their fur tends to be gray, brown, or reddish, and usually lacks any patterns.
Another thing is their tails. Squirrels sport big, bushy tails that help them balance when they leap between trees.
Chipmunks have shorter, less fluffy tails. They also stick closer to the ground, unlike their tree-loving cousins.
Unique Features of Common Species
If you watch closely, you’ll notice each squirrel and chipmunk species acts a little differently.
The eastern chipmunk shows off its cheek pouches as it stuffs them full of food, then disappears into its underground tunnels. Siberian chipmunks, which people sometimes keep as pets, look pretty similar but actually come from Asia.
Red squirrels? They’re small, a bit feisty, and hang out in trees with their reddish fur. You’ll often see them hoarding seeds and pine cones, getting ready for winter.
Flying squirrels stand out because they’re nocturnal and can glide between tree branches using those cool skin flaps.
Tree squirrels, like the eastern gray squirrel, seem to handle just about anything. You’ll find them living in cities or forests, always on the hunt for nuts, fruits, and sometimes even bird eggs.
Ground squirrels stick to open spaces. They dig big burrow systems to hide from predators.
When you know these little quirks, it gets a lot easier to tell the difference the next time you spot one in your yard or out in the woods.
