US States By Size
The United States of America, one of the world’s largest countries, covers a vast area of land. The country is the fourth largest in terms of land area, with a total area of approximately 9.83 million square kilometres. The continental United States, also known as the “Lower 48,” covers an area of 7.68 million square kilometres.
The country’s vast size allows for a diverse range of landscapes, including rugged mountain ranges, expansive plains, and fertile valleys, as well as vast deserts, dense forests, and picturesque coastlines. Alaska, the largest state, contributes significantly to the country’s size, covering approximately 1.72 million square kilometres.
Meanwhile, Hawaii, located in the Pacific Ocean, expands the territory of the United States with its tropical islands. The size of the United States allows for not only a diverse range of ecosystems and natural wonders, but also a diverse range of economic activities, cultural diversity, and regional identities. The vastness of the United States, from bustling cities to remote rural areas, attests to its diversity and opportunities.
The territory of the United States is divided into 50 states; 48 states are located in the central part of the North American continent, known as the “contiguous United States,” one state, Alaska, is located in the peninsula-like northwestern part of North America, and there is Hawaii, a tropical archipelago in the Pacific Ocean.
List of US States by Size
The states of the United States are listed in order of land area in square miles.
| Position | State | Square Miles (Land Area) | Square Miles | % Of U.S. |
| 1 | Alaska | 570,641 | 665,384.00 | 17.53% |
| 2 | Texas | 261,914 | 268,596.50 | 7.07% |
| 3 | California | 155,973 | 163,694.70 | 4.31% |
| 4 | Montana | 145,556 | 147,039.70 | 3.87% |
| 5 | New Mexico | 121,365 | 121,590.30 | 3.20% |
| 6 | Arizona | 113,642 | 113,990.30 | 3.00% |
| 7 | Nevada | 109,806 | 110,571.80 | 2.91% |
| 8 | Colorado | 103,730 | 104,093.70 | 2.74% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 97,105 | 98,378.50 | 2.59% |
| 10 | Oregon | 96,003 | 97,813.00 | 2.58% |
| 11 | Idaho | 82,751 | 96,713.50 | 2.55% |
| 12 | Utah | 82,168 | 86,935.80 | 2.29% |
| 13 | Kansas | 81,823 | 84,896.90 | 2.24% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 79,617 | 83,569.00 | 2.20% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 76,878 | 82,278.40 | 2.17% |
| 16 | South Dakota | 75,898 | 77,347.80 | 2.04% |
| 17 | North Dakota | 68,994 | 77,115.70 | 2.03% |
| 18 | Missouri | 68,898 | 71,298.00 | 1.88% |
| 19 | Oklahoma | 68,679 | 70,698.30 | 1.86% |
| 20 | Washington | 66,582 | 69,898.90 | 1.84% |
| 21 | Georgia | 57,919 | 69,707.00 | 1.84% |
| 22 | Michigan | 56,539 | 65,757.70 | 1.73% |
| 23 | Iowa | 55,875 | 65,496.40 | 1.73% |
| 24 | Illinois | 55,593 | 59,425.20 | 1.57% |
| 25 | Wisconsin | 54,314 | 57,913.60 | 1.53% |
| 26 | Florida | 53,997 | 56,272.80 | 1.48% |
| 27 | Arkansas | 52,075 | 54,555.00 | 1.44% |
| 28 | Alabama | 50,750 | 53,819.20 | 1.42% |
| 29 | North Carolina | 48,718 | 53,178.60 | 1.40% |
| 30 | New York | 47,224 | 52,420.10 | 1.38% |
| 31 | Mississippi | 46,914 | 52,378.10 | 1.38% |
| 32 | Pennsylvania | 44,820 | 48,431.80 | 1.28% |
| 33 | Louisiana | 43,566 | 46,054.40 | 1.21% |
| 34 | Tennessee | 41,220 | 44,825.60 | 1.18% |
| 35 | Ohio | 40,953 | 42,774.90 | 1.13% |
| 36 | Kentucky | 39,732 | 42,144.30 | 1.11% |
| 37 | Virginia | 39,598 | 40,407.80 | 1.06% |
| 38 | Indiana | 35,870 | 36,419.60 | 0.96% |
| 39 | Maine | 30,865 | 35,379.70 | 0.93% |
| 40 | South Carolina | 30,111 | 32,020.50 | 0.84% |
| 41 | West Virginia | 24,087 | 24,230.00 | 0.64% |
| 42 | Maryland | 9,775 | 12,405.90 | 0.33% |
| 43 | Vermont | 9,249 | 10,931.70 | 0.29% |
| 44 | New Hampshire | 8,969 | 10,554.40 | 0.28% |
| 45 | Massachusetts | 7,838 | 9,616.40 | 0.25% |
| 46 | New Jersey | 7,419 | 9,349.20 | 0.25% |
| 47 | Hawaii | 6,423 | 8,722.60 | 0.23% |
| 48 | Connecticut | 4,845 | 5,543.40 | 0.15% |
| 49 | Delaware | 1,955 | 2,488.70 | 0.07% |
| 50 | Rhode Island | 1,034 | 1,544.90 | 0.04% |
Largest Three States
Alaska
Alaska, the largest state in the United States, exemplifies the grandeur of nature’s vast canvas. Alaska’s size is an awe-inspiring feature that sets it apart, spanning vast distances and boasting immense geographical proportions. In this essay, we will look at Alaska’s remarkable dimensions, including its vast area, diverse landscapes, and the profound impact its size has on its people and way of life.
Texas
Texas, the second-largest state in the United States, is distinguished by its enormous size. Texas, with an area of approximately 268,597 square miles, exceeds the combined area of many countries. When compared to other geographical entities, its enormous size becomes clear. Texas would stretch from Portugal to Ukraine if superimposed on a map of Europe.
California
California, the largest state in the United States, is distinguished by its size. California is larger than many countries, spanning approximately 163,696 square miles. To put it in context, it is larger than the combined area of Germany and Poland. Its vast territory includes pristine coastlines, majestic mountains, fertile valleys, and arid deserts. Because it is home to thriving industries such as entertainment, technology, agriculture, and tourism, California’s size has significant economic and cultural implications.
Territories of the United States
The United States is made up of not only fifty states but also several territories spread across various regions. These territories range in size and have distinct legal status within the United States.
| Territory Name | Area in km² | Area in sq mi |
| Puerto Rico | 13,792 | 5,325 |
| Northern Mariana Islands | 5,115 | 1,975 |
| US Virgin Islands | 1,898 | 733 |
| American Samoa | 1,505 | 581 |
| Guam | 1,476 | 570 |
