US States By Size

The United States of America sprawls across a vast expanse, stretching from the southern reaches of Northern America to the Pacific Ocean, encompassing both Alaska and Hawaii. Within its borders lie 50 states, 48 of which form a contiguous mass within mainland North America, while the remaining two are nestled in the Pacific. These states vary greatly in size, allowing for diverse rankings based on total area, water area, or land area. Factors such as extensive territorial waters can skew these rankings, emphasizing the importance of chosen metrics. Delve into the array of US states ranked by total area to grasp the scale of this diverse nation.

US States By Size

10 Largest US States

1. Although Alaska is one of the two last states to gain admission into the Union, it is, by far, the largest US state by both total and land area. It covers an estimated total area of 1.7 million km², about 17% of the US total area. Alaska is larger than the combined areas of the next three largest states. It is the world’s seventh-largest country subdivision. Its total land area is about 1.5 million km² (86%), while the rest is water.
2. The South Central state of Texas is the second-largest state by total area, covering about 695,662 km². It has a total land area of about 676,587 km² (97.3%) and a water area of 19,075 km² (2.7%).
3. California, the US' most populous state, covers about 423,970 km², making it the third-largest state. Its land area of 403,466 km² is also the country’s third-largest, while the water area of 20,047 km². 
4. Montana is the fourth-largest state with a total area of about 380,800 km², about 4% of the US total area. Its land area accounts for 99% of the total area, about 376,962 km². Its waters cover about 3,862 km², making it the 26th largest state by water area.
5. New Mexico, the fifth-largest state, covers about 314,917 km², of which 99.8% is land. Therefore, it is the second-smallest state by water area, at only 757 km².
6. Arizona is the sixth-largest state by total area, covering 295,234 km². Its land area of 294,207 km² accounts for 99.7% of the total area.
7. With a total area of 286,382 km², Nevada is the seventh-largest state. It covers about 3% of the US total area and has a land area of about 284,332 km² (99.3%).
8. Colorado is the eighth-largest state by total area, spanning 269,837 km² or about 2.7% of the national area. It covers a land area of 268,875 km² (99.6%) and a water area of 962 km², the 44th largest water area in the country.
9. Oregon is the ninth-largest state by total area but the tenth-largest by land area. It has a total surface area of about 254,806 km², of which 248,849 km² (97.6%) is land. It has the 20th largest water area, at 6,177 km².
10. Although Wyoming is the tenth-largest state by total surface area (253,600 km²), it has a slightly larger land area than Oregon, spanning 251,470 km². However, its water area of 2,130 km² is the country’s 37th largest water area.

10 Smallest US States

1. Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States. Rhode Island has a total area of 3,144 km², including 438 km² of water.
2. Delaware is the second smallest state in the country covering 5,130 km², of which 5,047 km² is land.
3. Connecticut covers about 14,357 km² which makes it the third smallest state, of which 12,559 km² is land and the rest is water.
4. New Jersey is the fourth-smallest state by total area and fifth smallest by land area. It covers 22,591 km², of which 19,047 km² is land. Its water area is the country’s 27th largest by area at 3,544 km².
5. New Hampshire is the fifth smallest state with a total area of 24,214 km². However, its land area of 23,186 km² makes it the seventh smallest state by land area.
6. Vermont is the sixth smallest state by total area (24,923 km²) but the eighth smallest by land area, covering 23,957 km² of land. Its water area is about 989 km², the 46th largest state by water area.
7. Massachusetts covers a surface area of 27,337 km², of which 20,306 km² is landmass, and 7,032 km² is water. It has the sixth-smallest land area and 16th largest water area.
8. Hawaii, one of the two non-contiguous states, is the 8th smallest state by total area, spanning 28,311 km². It is the fourth-smallest state by land area, covering 16,638 km² of land. Its water area of 11,672 km² (41.2%) is the country’s 13th largest water area.
9. Maryland covers about 32,133 km², making it the ninth-smallest state. Its land area of about 25,314 km² is also the country’s ninth smallest. However, the state’s water area of 6,819 km² (21%) is the US' 18th-largest water area.
10. West Virginia is the tenth-smallest state by both total and land area. It spans about 62,755 km², of which 62,361 km² is land. At 394 km², West Virginia has the smallest water area in the country.

Area By Region

The Western United States stands as the nation's largest region by total area, sprawling across approximately 4.9 million km², encompassing just under half of the contiguous United States' landmass. This expansive region is home to a diverse array of landscapes, from the rugged coastlines of California to the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

Remarkably, the ten largest states in terms of land area, except for Texas, find their place within this vast expanse of the Western US. From the immense wilderness of Alaska to the arid deserts of Nevada and Arizona, each state contributes to the region's unique tapestry of natural wonders and cultural heritage.

The Western US not only boasts breathtaking scenery but also serves as a hub of innovation and economic activity. Its bustling cities, thriving industries, and pioneering spirit have shaped the trajectory of the nation's growth and development.As a gateway to the Pacific and a crucible of American identity, the Western United States continues to captivate imaginations and beckon adventurers, offering boundless opportunities for exploration and discovery.