Antarctica spans approximately 5.5 million square miles, making it the fifth-largest continent. However, when discussing its width, it is important to note that Antarctica is not a perfect rectangle and its width can vary based on the measurement points used.
The widest part of Antarctica, which is the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, reaches about 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) across. The continent’s shape and mid-range widths might give different estimates, but by taking the average measurements, we can generally say that Antarctica measures around 1,000 miles across at its widest point. Understanding these dimensions helps emphasize the vastness of this frozen land and its significance in global climate and ecosystems.