How Big Is California?
California is the 3rd largest state in the United States, covering approximately 403,882 square kilometers (155,940 square miles). It is home to approximately 39.4 million people. That's roughly the same size as Japan.
California
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California on the Map
California's Geography
Within the United States, California is the 3rd largest state. Its capital is Sacramento. It has a population density of about 97 people per km².
How Long and Wide Is California?
California spans about 1,054 km (655 mi) from north to south — roughly the distance from Chicago to New York, and 909 km (565 mi) from east to west — roughly the distance from Madrid to Paris. At highway speeds, driving 655 miles takes roughly 12 hours.
How Many Times Does California Fit?
Similar in Size
How Big Is California Compared to Well-Known Places?
| Place | Area | vs California |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 243,610 km² (94,058 sq mi) | 40% smaller |
| Germany | 357,022 km² (137,847 sq mi) | 12% smaller |
| Montana | 376,979 km² (145,552 sq mi) | about the same size |
| Japan | 377,915 km² (145,914 sq mi) | about the same size |
| California | 403,882 km² (155,940 sq mi) | — |
| France | 551,500 km² (212,935 sq mi) | 37% larger |
| Texas | 678,052 km² (261,797 sq mi) | 68% larger |
| Alaska | 1,481,348 km² (571,951 sq mi) | 3.7× larger |
| Argentina | 2,780,400 km² (1,073,518 sq mi) | 7× larger |
Places in California
Length and width are measured from the outline on the map. Sources: US Census Bureau (2025). How we calculate this
Explore California
California at a Glance
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 403,882 km² (155,940 sq mi) |
| US Size Rank | #3 of 51 |
| Capital | Sacramento |
| Population | 39,355,309 |
| Population Density | 97 per km² |