Which is bigger: Antarctica or Greenland?

Antarctica is larger (14,200,000 km²) — about 6.6 times the size of Greenland (2,166,086 km²).

Why do Antarctica and Greenland look different on the map than in reality?

The common Mercator projection enlarges areas the farther they lie from the equator, so the on-map size proportions of Antarctica and Greenland are distorted compared to their true land area.

Antarctica vs Greenland Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Antarctica and Greenland. Compare their overlaid silhouettes and learn how the Mercator projection distorts scale.

Direct Silhouette Overlay (same scale)

Comparison of shapes at the exact same, real geographic scale. Click or tap and drag either silhouette to adjust positioning manually.

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Antarctica

Surface Area14,200,000 km²

Population1,000

TypeContinent

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Greenland ↗

Surface Area2,166,086 km²

Population56,025

TypeCountry

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