- William H. Taft was the heaviest president at 340 pounds (154.2 kg).
- James Madison was the lightest president at 100 pounds (45.4 kg).
- The average weight of the presidents is 182 pounds (82.7 kg).
- The weights listed below reflect the best information available. Weights fluctuated over time or were not accurately measured.
Rank | # | President | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 27 | William H. Taft | 340 lbs | 154.2 kg |
2 | 22 & 24 | Grover Cleveland | 260 lbs | 117.9 kg |
3 | 45 | Donald J. Trump | 239 lbs | 108.4 kg |
4 | 21 | Chester A. Arthur | 224 lbs | 101.6 kg |
5 | 42 | Bill Clinton | 223 lbs | 101.2 kg |
6 | 26 | Theodore Roosevelt | 210 lbs | 95.3 kg |
7 | 36 | Lyndon B. Johnson | 200 lbs | 90.7 kg |
8 | 25 | William McKinley | 199 lbs | 90.3 kg |
9 | 15 | James Buchanan | 198 lbs | 89.8 kg |
10 | 41 | George H. W. Bush | 196 lbs | 88.9 kg |
11 | 43 | George W. Bush | 191 lbs | 86.6 kg |
12 | 38 | Gerald R. Ford | 190 lbs | 86.2 kg |
13 | 5 | James Monroe | 189 lbs | 85.7 kg |
14 | 32 | Franklin D. Roosevelt | 188 lbs | 85.3 kg |
15 | 31 | Herbert Hoover | 187 lbs | 84.8 kg |
16 | 40 | Ronald Reagan | 185 lbs | 83.9 kg |
17 | 20 | James A. Garfield | 184 lbs | 83.5 kg |
18 | 16 | Abraham Lincoln | 180 lbs | 81.6 kg |
18 | 44 | Barack Obama | 180 lbs | 81.6 kg |
20 | 46 | Joe Biden | 178 lbs | 80.7 kg |
21 | 1 | George Washington | 175 lbs | 79.4 kg |
21 | 6 | John Quincy Adams | 175 lbs | 79.4 kg |
21 | 19 | Rutherford B. Hayes | 175 lbs | 79.4 kg |
21 | 37 | Richard M. Nixon | 175 lbs | 79.4 kg |
25 | 3 | Thomas Jefferson | 174 lbs | 78.9 kg |
25 | 11 | James K. Polk | 174 lbs | 78.9 kg |
25 | 13 | Millard Fillmore | 174 lbs | 78.9 kg |
25 | 17 | Andrew Johnson | 174 lbs | 78.9 kg |
29 | 29 | Warren G. Harding | 173 lbs | 78.5 kg |
29 | 35 | John F. Kennedy | 173 lbs | 78.5 kg |
31 | 34 | Dwight D. Eisenhower | 171 lbs | 77.6 kg |
32 | 12 | Zachary Taylor | 170 lbs | 77.1 kg |
32 | 28 | Woodrow Wilson | 170 lbs | 77.1 kg |
34 | 33 | Harry S. Truman | 167 lbs | 75.7 kg |
35 | 8 | Martin Van Buren | 164 lbs | 74.4 kg |
36 | 9 | William Henry Harrison | 162 lbs | 73.5 kg |
37 | 10 | John Tyler | 160 lbs | 72.6 kg |
37 | 23 | Benjamin Harrison | 160 lbs | 72.6 kg |
37 | 39 | Jimmy Carter | 160 lbs | 72.6 kg |
40 | 18 | Ulysses S. Grant | 156 lbs | 70.8 kg |
41 | 2 | John Adams | 150 lbs | 68.0 kg |
42 | 30 | Calvin Coolidge | 148 lbs | 67.1 kg |
43 | 14 | Franklin Pierce | 144 lbs | 65.3 kg |
44 | 7 | Andrew Jackson | 140 lbs | 63.5 kg |
45 | 4 | James Madison | 100 lbs | 45.4 kg |
Return to Presidential Facts
As a passionate enthusiast with a demonstrable depth of knowledge in the field, I'm here to delve into the fascinating realm of presidential weights. The information provided is not just a collection of numbers but a journey through the historical records of the physical stature of some of the most influential figures in American history. I bring forth not only the data but also an understanding of the context, evolution, and variations in the weights of these leaders.
Let's start with William H. Taft, who holds the heavyweight title among U.S. presidents. At a robust 340 pounds (154.2 kg), Taft set a record that still stands. His substantial weight is well-documented and serves as a testament to the challenges and lifestyle differences of his time.
Contrastingly, James Madison claims the title of the lightest president, weighing in at a mere 100 pounds (45.4 kg). This stark difference highlights the diverse physical characteristics of the individuals who have held the highest office in the land.
The average weight of all presidents, standing at 182 pounds (82.7 kg), provides a benchmark to appreciate the spectrum of sizes within this exclusive club. It also reflects the diversity in the physical build of these leaders throughout American history.
Now, let's explore the list of presidents and their respective weights. Grover Cleveland takes up two spots on the list, ranking 22nd and 24th, with a weight of 260 pounds (117.9 kg). Donald J. Trump follows closely behind at 239 pounds (108.4 kg), securing the 45th position.
Moving down the list, we encounter familiar names such as Theodore Roosevelt at 210 pounds (95.3 kg), Bill Clinton at 223 pounds (101.2 kg), and Ronald Reagan at 185 pounds (83.9 kg). Each of these figures contributes to the rich tapestry of presidential physicality.
It's important to note that the weights listed may have fluctuated over time or were not precisely measured, adding an element of historical context and potential variability to the data. The meticulous ranking, from George Washington at 175 pounds (79.4 kg) to James Madison at 100 pounds (45.4 kg), provides a comprehensive overview of the physical diversity among the leaders of the United States.
In conclusion, the weights of U.S. presidents offer a unique lens through which to explore not only the individuals themselves but also the broader societal and cultural aspects of their respective eras. This compilation of weights is not just a numerical record; it is a narrative of the physical presence and, by extension, the historical context of each president.