General Sherman is the world’s largest living tree by trunk volume. This giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) rises 274.9 feet (83.8 meters) in California’s Sequoia National Park and is estimated by the National Park Service (NPS) to be about 2,200 years old. “Largest” refers to the amount of wood in its trunk—not the greatest height or the widest trunk.
How large is the General Sherman Tree?
General Sherman’s measurements show why trunk volume, rather than height alone, determines its record:
| Measurement | General Sherman |
|---|---|
| Height | 274.9 feet (83.8 meters) |
| Ground circumference | 102.6 feet (31.1 meters) |
| Trunk volume | About 52,500 cubic feet (approximately 1,486.6 cubic meters); the NPS comparative list gives 52,508 cubic feet (1,487 cubic meters) |
| Estimated age | About 2,200 years |
| Location | Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park, California |
The NPS compares the height of the largest sequoias with a building of roughly 26 stories. That comparison describes their scale, not a claim that General Sherman is the world’s tallest tree.
What does “largest tree in the world” mean?
General Sherman is ranked first by trunk volume. The NPS explains that taller and wider trees exist, but no other known tree has more wood in its trunk. This measurement captures the massive, thick trunk accumulated over centuries rather than measuring only the highest point.
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How it compares with General Grant
The General Grant Tree, another famous giant sequoia, has a listed trunk volume of 46,608 cubic feet (1,320 cubic meters). General Sherman’s listed 52,508 cubic feet (1,487 cubic meters) is therefore greater on the ranking used for the world’s largest tree by volume.
Why height alone can be misleading
Species with slimmer trunks can grow higher than giant sequoias, while some trees can have a greater circumference near the ground. A fair comparison must specify the measurement—volume, height, circumference or age—before declaring a tree “biggest.”
How old is General Sherman?
The latest NPS estimate places General Sherman at about 2,200 years old. That is an estimate, not a complete ring-by-ring count: the living trunk is too large and valuable to core through its entire diameter for a precise annual tally. The age should therefore be read as an evidence-based approximation rather than an exact birthday.
How does the tree keep getting bigger?
Mature giant sequoias add about 40 cubic feet (one cubic meter) of wood each year, according to the NPS comparative tree information. Continued growth helps explain how a tree that is already enormous can still increase its record trunk volume.
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Roots and visitor protection
Giant sequoia roots are relatively shallow but spread widely. Soil compaction and repeated foot traffic can damage this root zone even when visitors cannot see the roots. The park directs visitors to remain on the paved trail and behind protective barriers around General Sherman.
Where is General Sherman Tree?
The tree stands at the north end of Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park, California. Giant Forest is a high-elevation sequoia grove rather than a city park or roadside attraction, so conditions can change with weather, snow, wildfire activity and park operations.
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Can you visit General Sherman?
Visitors normally reach the tree on a paved main trail of about half a mile (0.8 kilometer). NPS information also describes an accessible shorter route from a designated parking area and wheelchair-accessible shuttles during shuttle season.
Plan for changing conditions
- Check the park’s current General Sherman page before traveling for road status, wildfire closures, trail conditions and shuttle dates.
- Use only the designated paved routes and stay behind barriers.
- Allow extra time for elevation, snow or mobility needs; the listed distance does not describe every approach, grade or seasonal condition.
Is General Sherman the tallest or oldest tree?
No. Its global distinction is trunk volume. Other trees can exceed it in height, and some individual trees may be older; those records use different species, measurements and dating methods. General Sherman’s reliable superlative is that it contains more trunk wood than any other known tree.
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