In this article, you will learn about many of the size differences between a Boeing 747 and a Boeing 777 aircraft.
If you are a frequent flyer and travel quite often or just an aviation aficionado, knowing how these two aircraft compare is quite interesting and educational.
The Boeing 747 and Boeing 777 have many similarities, but they also have many differences.
Here is an informative and comprehensive B-747 vs B-777 size comparison guide.
Boeing 747 overview
The Boeing 747 is one of the most well-known aircraft that was first certified in 1969 and has been in operation since early 1970.
It is also the world’s first-ever flown wide-body aircraft which means it has 2 passenger aisles which allow for 3 sets of seats and more space.
If you were to ask someone to name a wide-body airplane, chances are they will say the Boeing 747. It’s usually the first one that comes to mind.
Although there are now many other wide-body aircraft around the world, the Boeing 747 was the first.
The Boeing 747-200 was introduced in 1971 with the 747-300 series introduced in 1973, and the 747-400 series introduced in 1989 and is the most common and well-known model.
The Boeing 747-800 was introduced in 2005 with many new additions and advancements.
With over 1500 Boeing 747’s produced, Boeing is scheduled to stop the production of these airplanes in 2022.
Boeing 777 overview
The first Boeing 777 aircraft was introduced and flown in 1994.
This airplane is known around the world as the “triple seven” and is the largest twinjet airplane in the world.
Similar to the Boeing 747, it is also a wide-body aircraft consisting of the 777-200, 777-200LR, 777-300, 777-300ER, 777-X models.
Despite its huge size, the Boeing 777 is known for its economical fuel economy and flying range. It is also a passenger favorite in terms of comfort.
Boeing 747 vs Boeing 777 size comparison chart
- The following statistics are based on B747-400 and B777-200 aircraft.
| Boeing 747-400 | Boeing 777-200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 71 meters – 232.94 feet | 64 meters – 209.97 feet |
| Height | 19.4 meters – 63.64 feet | 18.5 meters – 60.7 feet |
| Wingspan | 64 meters – 209.97 feet | 61 meters – 200.13 feet |
| Wing area | 541.20 square meters | 427.80 square meters |
| Tire size | H49x19.0-22 | 43×17.5R17 |
| Max takeoff weight | 875,000 pounds – 397,000 kgs | 545,000 pounds – 247,200 kgs |
| Passenger load | 568 | 312 |
| Max fuel capacity | 62,872 gallons – 238,000 liters | 31,000 gallons – 117,347 liters |
| Engine size | PW4062 – 63,300 lbs thrust | GE90-94B – 94,000 lbs thrust |
Length
The length of an aircraft is measured from the tip of the nose to the furthest point at the rear of the airplane at the tail.
The Boeing 747-400 has a length of 71 meters or 232.94 feet.
The Boeing 777-200 has a length of 64 meters or 209.97 feet.
Therefore, the Boeing 747-400 is 7 meters longer than the Boeing 777-200.
Height
The height of an aircraft is measured from the ground to the tallest point on the tail.
The Boeing 747-400 has a height of 19.4 meters or 63.64 feet.
The Boeing 777-200 has a height of 18.5 meters or 60.7 feet.
Therefore, the Boeing 747-400 is 0.9 meters taller than the Boeing 777-200.
Wingspan
The wingspan of an airplane is the distance measured from wingtip to wingtip.
The Boeing 747-400 has a wingspan of 64 meters or 209.97 feet.
The Boeing 777-200 has a wingspan of 61 meters or 200.13 feet.
Therefore, the Boeing 747-400’s wingspan is 3 meters longer than the Boeing 777-200.
Tire size
Aircraft tires are filled with nitrogen and are made in a variety of sizes to suit a specific airplane.
The Boeing 747-400 has a tire size of H49x19.0-22 with the first number being the tire width, the second is the tread width, third is the rim size.
The Boeing 777-200 has a tire size of 43×17.5R17.
Maximum weight – takeoff
The maximum takeoff weight of an aircraft is its maximum allowable weight to safely take off and fly which includes all passengers, fuel, and cargo.
The Boeing 747-400 has a maximum take-off weight of 875,000 pounds or 397,000 kgs.
The Boeing 777-200 has a maximum take-off weight of 545,000 pounds – 247,200 kgs.
Therefore, the Boeing 747-400’s maximum take-off weight is 330,000 pounds higher than the Boeing 777-200.
Passengers
The number of passengers a specific aircraft can hold is based on a number of factors. One of these factors is the seating configuration. Larger airplanes can hold more passengers based on how the seats are arranged.
For example, if first-class seating is available, the airplane will hold fewer passengers versus a seating configuration without first class.
The Boeing 747-400 has a maximum passenger load of 568.
The Boeing 777-200 has a maximum passenger load of 312.
Therefore, the Boeing 747-400 can carry up to 256 more passengers.
Fuel
The maximum amount of fuel that an aircraft can carry is based on the size of the fuel tanks. Larger tanks can carry more fuel.
Not all airplanes will carry the maximum amount of fuel on each flight.
The Boeing 747-400 has a maximum fuel capacity of 62,872 gallons or 238,000 liters.
The Boeing 777-200 has a maximum fuel capacity of 31,000 gallons or 117,347 liters.
Therefore, the Boeing 747-400 can carry 31,872 more gallons of fuel than the Boeing 777-200.
Engine size
Larger aircraft use different sized engines and each engine has a maximum rated amount of thrust. Not only is the physical size of the engine different, but so is the amount of thrust it produces.
The Boeing 747-400 uses PW4062 engines which produce 63,300 lbs of thrust each.
The Boeing 777-200 uses GE90-94B engines that produce 94,000 lbs of thrust each.
Therefore, the Boeing 777-200 engines produce 30,700 lbs of thrust more than the Boeing 747-400.
