Answer Summary
Yes, Alaska is the biggest state in the United States by total area. It is larger than Texas, the second-largest state, by a wide margin. In this evergreen explainer, we cover how size is measured, how Alaska compares to other states and countries, and what accounts for its vast scale.
How Size Is Measured
Total area includes both land and inland water, yielding the standard metric for comparing state size. Two common measurements are used:
- Land area only, which excludes inland water bodies
- Total area, which includes land and water such as lakes, rivers, and coastal estuaries
Coastal states like Alaska gain considerable area from territorial waters and tidal zones. Because definitions and rounding differ, reported figures can vary slightly across agencies.
Key Size Metrics for U.S. States
| Rank | State | Total Area (sq mi) | Land Area (sq mi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | 665,384 | 570,641 |
| 2 | Texas | 268,596 | 261,232 |
| 3 | California | 163,696 | 155,779 |
| 4 | Montana | 147,040 | 145,546 |
| 5 | New Mexico | 121,590 | 121,298 |
Where Alaska Stands Globally
Compared to countries, Alaska is larger than Iran and Mongolia and similar in area to the nations of Chad and Niger. Its size alone contributes to low population density, with vast regions remaining remote. The table below places Alaska among large subnational and national entities.
| Region / Country | Area (approx., sq mi) | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 665,384 | U.S. state |
| Iran | 636,000 | Country |
| Chad | 496,000 | Country |
| Texas | 268,596 | U.S. state |
| New South Wales (Australia) | 309,000 | Subnational region |
Geographic and Political Context
Alaska became the 49th state in 1959 and is bounded by Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south. Its coastline is exceptionally long, and it contains extensive mountain ranges, tundra, and boreal forests. Because much of the state is far from urban centers, large portions are federally managed.
Population and Density Considerations
Size does not imply population. Alaska has a small population relative to its area, resulting in one of the lowest population densities among U.S. states. Most residents live in urban areas such as Anchorage, with vast interior and northern regions sparsely inhabited.
Practical Implications of Alaska’s Size
Alaska’s scale affects transportation, infrastructure, governance, and natural resource management. Long-distance travel often requires aviation or maritime options, and delivering services can be costly. The state’s large area also supports diverse ecosystems and industries, including fishing, mining, and tourism.
Common Misconceptions
Some assume other states or countries are larger than Alaska, but verified measurements consistently rank it first among U.S. states. International comparisons sometimes overlook coastal water area, which increases Alaska’s total. Even when measured by land area alone, Alaska remains the largest state.
Data Sources and Notes
Area figures derive from the U.S. Census Bureau and other authoritative federal sources. Rounding and inclusion of coastal water can create slight differences in reported totals. All data cited here reflect the most recent standard geographic estimates used for official purposes.
Summary
Alaska is the largest state in the United States by both total area and land area. It exceeds the next largest state, Texas, by more than 394,000 square miles in total area. Its ranking is consistent across standard measurements, and its size shapes its geography, population distribution, and management challenges.
Tags
Alaska, geography, states, area, U.S. size