Tigers are known for their powerful, muscular bodies and distinctive orange coats with black stripes. They’re the largest members of the big cat family and one of the most endangered, with only around 5,574 individuals left in the wild according to the World Wildlife Fund. That means if you want to see a tiger, you’ll need to visit a zoo or sanctuary, or head to India on a tiger safari. Of course your other option is to visit London to see The Tiger Who Came to Tea - one of the best theatre shows for families. Adapted from Judith Kerr’s bestselling picture book, it’s an award-nominated children’s play packed with magic, sing-along songs and interactive moments. You may be wondering which of the tiger subspecies the tiger who arrives at Sophie’s house for tea belongs to. Here are some facts about their sizes and weights to help you decide. 

Amur tigers

Amur or Siberian tigers are the largest of the subspecies. The males can grow up to 3.3m long from head to tail and weigh up to 300kg. Females are a bit smaller, reaching 2.6m in length and up to 167kg in weight. 

Bengal tigers

Bengal tigers are the most numerous of the subspecies and are nearly as big as Amur tigers. Males reach 3m long and weigh up to 225kg, while females are around 2.7m long and weigh up to 135kg. 

Indo-Chinese tigers

Slightly shorter and darker than Bengal tigers, Indo-Chinese tigers only number around 700-1225 in the wild. The males average about 3m in length and 180kg in weight. Females measure around 2.4m long and weigh approximately 115kg.

Malayan tigers

Malayan tigers were only identified as a separate subspecies from Indo-Chinese tigers in 2004. While very similar, they are slightly smaller. Males are between 2.5m and 2.8m long and weigh up to 130kg - about the same as a female Bengal tiger. Females, meanwhile, are about 2.4m long and weigh around 90kg. 

South China tigers

According to the World Wildlife Fund, South China tigers are thought to be functionally extinct in the wild. This means the population is too small to reproduce effectively or have a significant role in its ecosystem. Males measure 2.5m from head to tail and weigh roughly 170kg, while females average 2.1m in length and 100-115kg in weight. 

Sumatran tigers

The smallest of the subspecies, the Sumatran tiger is found only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra and is protected by law. Males are 2.4m long and weigh in at an average of 120kg; females are about 2m long and weigh 90kg. 

Now that you know how big each subspecies of tiger is, why not guess which type arrives on Sophie’s doorstep in The Tiger Who Came to Tea? You can catch the show at the Theatre Royal Haymarket until 7 September 2025 - search ‘children’s theatre near me’ and book your tickets today to join in the fun.