Yet, giant squid size, particularly total length, has often been misreported and exaggerated. Reports of specimens reaching and even exceeding 20 metres (66 ft) in length are widespread, but no animals approaching this size have been scientifically documented.^[10] According to giant squid expert Dr. Steve O'Shea, such lengths were likely achieved by greatly stretching the two tentacles like elastic bands.^[10]

A giant squid specimen measuring over 4 metres without its two long feeding tentacles

Based on the examination of 130 specimens and of beaks found inside sperm whales, giant squid's mantles are not known to exceed 2.25 metres (7.4 ft) in length.^[10] Including the head and arms, but excluding the tentacles, the length very rarely exceeds 5 metres (16 ft).^[10] Maximum total length, when measured relaxed post mortem, is estimated at 13 metres (43 ft) for females and 10 metres (33 ft) for males from caudal fin to the tip of the two long tentacles.^[10] Giant squid exhibit reverse sexual dimorphism. Maximum weight is estimated at 275 kilograms (610 lb) for females and 150 kilograms (330 lb) for males.^[10]