View source for List of lakes by area

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{{Redirect|Largest lakes|the largest lakes by volume|List of lakes by volume|lakes on bodies other than Earth|List of largest lakes and seas in the Solar System}}

[[File:Fuller_projection_with_largest_lakes_by_area.svg|thumb|upright=2|[[Fuller projection|Dymaxion world map]] with the 15 largest lakes roughly to scale]]

This is a pair of lists of terrestrial [[lake]]s with a surface area of more than approximately {{Convert|3000|km2|mi2|-2}}, ranked by [[area]],<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|title=Historical Estimates of Limnicity |editor-last=Likens|editor-first=Gene E.|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of inland waters|year=2009|publisher=Elsevier|location=Amsterdam|isbn=978-0120884629|edition=1st}} Table 1: The world's lakes >2000 km<sup>2</sup> in area, arranged in decreasing order of lake area. See also [http://stream.loe.org/images/110819/Downing%20&%20Duarte.pdf Lakes (Formation, Diversity, Distribution)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222131039/http://stream.loe.org/images/110819/Downing%20%26%20Duarte.pdf |date=2014-02-22 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Marsh|first=William M.|author2=Martin M. Kaufman  |title=Physical geography : great systems and global environments|publisher=Cambridge University Press|location=Cambridge|isbn=978-0521764285|pages=399 |others=Table 16.2: Great lakes of the world by lake type|date=30 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|editor-last=van der Leeden|editor-first=Frits|editor2-first=Fred L.|editor2-last=Troise|editor3-first=David Keith|editor3-last=Todd|title=The water encyclopedia|year=1991|publisher=Lewis|location=Chelsea, Mich.|isbn=9780873711203|pages=[https://archive.org/details/waterencyclopedi0000vand/page/198 198&ndash;200]|edition=2nd|url=https://archive.org/details/waterencyclopedi0000vand/page/198}}</ref> excluding [[reservoir]]s and [[lagoon]]s.

The area of some lakes can vary over time, either seasonally or from year to year. This is especially true of [[salt lake]]s in arid climates.
This list therefore excludes seasonal lakes such as [[Lake Eyre|Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre]] (maximum area {{Convert|9500|km2|abbr=on|disp=comma}}), [[Mar Chiquita Lake (Córdoba)]] (maximum area {{Convert|6000|km2|abbr=on|disp=comma}}), [[Lake Torrens]] (maximum area {{Convert|5745|km2|abbr=on|disp=comma}}) and [[Great Salt Lake]] (maximum area, 1988, {{Convert|8500|km2|abbr=on|disp=comma}}).<!-- so what are the areas given here?  Minima, maxima, or averages?-->

The list is divided in two: all lakes as conventionally defined down to {{Convert|3000|km2|mi2|-2}}, and the largest lakes under a geological definition, where the [[Caspian Sea]] is considered a small ocean rather than a lake, and [[Lake Michigan–Huron]] (or "Huron–Michigan") is recognized as a single body of water. 
The Caspian Sea is conventionally considered the world's largest lake, but it is centered on an [[oceanic basin]] (a fragment of the ancient [[Tethys Ocean]]) rather than lying entirely over continental crust as all other lakes do.<ref>{{Cite web| title = Plume over the Caspian Sea | date = 16 April 2008 | publisher = NASA | url = http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=8665 | access-date = 2010-11-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| title = Caspian Sea | publisher = Britannica | url = https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/98044/Caspian-Sea | access-date = 2010-11-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| title = Endorheic Lakes | publisher = United Nations| url = http://www.unep.or.jp/ietc/publications/short_series/lakereservoirs-2/10.asp| access-date = 2010-11-29}}</ref><ref name="DuMont">{{Cite web| last = DuMont | first = H.J. | title = The Caspian Lake: History, biota, structure, and function | publisher = [[American Society of Limnology and Oceanography]]| url = http://www.vliz.be/imisdocs/publications/127855.pdf| access-date = 2010-11-29}}</ref><ref>''Planet Earth And the New Geoscience'' (2003:154). Victor Schmidt, William Harbert, University of Pittsburgh</ref>
[[Lake Michigan]] and [[Lake Huron]] are conventionally counted as separate lakes, but hydrologically they are a single body of water, which is the world's largest lake by surface area.<ref name=CG>David Lees in ''[[Canadian Geographic]]'' writes, "Contrary to popular belief, the largest lake in the world is not Lake Superior but mighty Lake Michigan–Huron, which is a single hydrological unit linked at the [[Straits of Mackinac]]." Lees, David. "High and Dry" ''[[Canadian Geographic]]'' (May/June 2004) pp.94-108.</ref><ref name=GLERL>"Lakes Michigan and Huron are considered to be one lake hydraulically because of their connection through the deep [[Straits of Mackinac]]." Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, part of the [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]. "[http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/Programs/glscf/hydrology.html Great Lakes Sensitivity to Climatic Forcing: Hydrological Models] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100808074846/http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/Programs/glscf/hydrology.html |date=2010-08-08 }}." NOAA, 2006.</ref><ref name=USACE>"Lakes Michigan and Huron are considered to be one lake, as they rise and fall together due to their union at the Straits of Mackinac." U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, "Hydrological Components" [http://www.edisonsault.com/CustServ/USACOE%20LS%20WATER%208%2007.pdf ''Record Low Water Levels Expected on Lake Superior''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015125647/http://www.edisonsault.com/CustServ/USACOE%20LS%20WATER%208%2007.pdf |date=2008-10-15 }}. August 2007. p.6</ref><ref name=DEQ>{{cite web|url=http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,4561,7-135-3313_3677-15926--,00.html |title=Great Lakes Map |publisher=[[Michigan Department of Environmental Quality]] |access-date=20 September 2012}}</ref><ref name=geologydotcom>{{cite web|url=http://geology.com/records/largest-lake.shtml |title= Largest Lake in the World |publisher= geology.com |access-date= 28 September 2012}}</ref>

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==Conventional list==
Following are conventionally identified lakes larger than {{convert|3000|km2|abbr=on}} in area.

{| border="0"
|-
|colspan="2" align="center"|
{| class="wikitable" align="center"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
!colspan="7" align="center"| [[Continent]] colour key
|-
|bgcolor="#CCCCFF"|[[Africa]]
|bgcolor="#FFFFFF"|[[Antarctica]]
|bgcolor="#98FF98"|[[Asia]]
|bgcolor="#FFFF99"|[[Eurasia]]
|bgcolor="#FFCCFF"|[[Europe]]
|bgcolor="#CCFFFF"|[[North America]]
|bgcolor="#FFEBAD"|[[South America]]
|}
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:right;"
|- style="vertical-align:bottom;"
! class=unsortable | Thumbnail, <br/>at fixed scale[[File:Scale outline.png]]
!
! style="text-align:left;" | Name
! style="text-align:left;" | Countries with shoreline
! Type
! Area
! Length
! {{abbr|Max.|Maximum}} <br/>depth
! Volume
! Notes
|- style="vertical-align:top;" pics
| align="center" | [[File:Caspian_outline.png]]
| bgcolor="#FFFF99"|{{nts|1}}
| align="left" |[[Caspian Sea]]
| align="left" | {{IRN}}<br/>{{KAZ}}<br/>{{TKM}}<br/>{{AZE}}<br/>{{RUS}}
| align="center" | [[Salt lake|Saline]] 1.2%
| {{convert|389000<!--371000 main body + 18000 for Garabogazköl-->|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|1199|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|1025|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|78200|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" | Geologically a small ocean rather than a lake. [[Garabogazköl]] lagoon, if counted separately, would rank as the world's 15th largest, with an area of {{convert|18000|km2|mi2|-2}}.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Superior outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" |{{nts|2}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Superior|Superior]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}<br />{{USA}}
| align="center" | [[Fresh water|Fresh]]
| {{convert|82100|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| {{convert|616|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|406|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| {{convert|12070|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| align="left" | Largest of the [[Great Lakes]] by volume, having more water than the other four combined.<ref name=Superior>{{cite web |url=http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/physfacts.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529233616/http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/physfacts.html |archive-date=2012-05-29 |title=Great Lakes: Basic Information: Physical Facts |access-date=November 9, 2011 |date=May 25, 2011 |publisher=United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)}}</ref> 
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Victoria outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" |{{nts|3}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Victoria|Victoria]]
| align="left" | {{TZA}}<br />{{UGA}}<br />{{KEN}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|59940|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|322|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|81|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|2420|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" | The largest lake by area in Africa.<ref name="WorldAtlas.com: Lake Victoria">{{cite web | url=http://www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/infopage/lakevictoria.htm | title=WorldAtlas.com: Lake Victoria | access-date=18 November 2015}}</ref>
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Huron outline.png]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" |{{nts|4}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Huron|Huron]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}<br />{{USA}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|59590|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| {{convert|332|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|229|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| {{convert|3520|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| align="left" | The larger lobe of [[Lake Michigan–Huron]]. Contains [[Manitoulin Island]], the world's largest lake island.<ref name=Manitoulin>{{cite web | url=http://www.manitoulin-island.com/ | title=Manitoulin Island website | access-date=23 November 2014}}</ref>
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Michigan outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" |{{nts|5}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Michigan|Michigan]]
| align="left" | {{USA}}
| align="center" | Fresh
|{{convert|58030|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment">{{Cite web|
date=2023-01-23|title=Physical Features of the Great Lakes |url=https://www.epa.gov/greatlakes/physical-features-great-lakes|access-date=2023-06-02|website=www.epa.gov|language=en}}</ref>
| {{convert|494|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|282|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| {{convert|4930|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| align="left" | The smaller lobe of [[Lake Michigan–Huron]]. The largest lake (by area) that is located entirely in one country.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Tanganyika outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" |{{nts|6}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Tanganyika|Tanganyika]]
| align="left" | {{ubli|{{TZA}}|{{COD}}|{{BDI}}|{{ZMB}}}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|32900|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|676|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|1470|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|18750|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" | Longest freshwater lake in the world and third largest of any kind by volume.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/582434/Lake-Tanganyika | title=Lake Tanganyika at Encyclopædia Britannica | access-date=23 November 2014}}</ref>
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Baikal outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#98FF98" |{{nts|7}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Baikal|Baikal]]
| align="left" | {{RUS}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|31722|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|636|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|1642|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|23610|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" | Deepest lake in the world and largest freshwater lake in the world by volume.<ref name=Baikal>{{cite web | url=http://www.ibtimes.com/lake-baikal-worlds-largest-freshwater-body-turning-swamp-ecologists-say-1682512 | title=Lake Baikal, World's Largest Freshwater Body | website=[[International Business Times]] | date=9 September 2014 | access-date=23 November 2014}}</ref>
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Great bear outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|8}}
| align="left" | [[Great Bear Lake]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|31153|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|373|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|446|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|2234|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Largest lake entirely within Canada,<ref>{{cite web|title=Plate 18. Large Lakes|url=http://ftp2.ctis.nrcan.gc.ca/pub/geott/atlas/archives/english/hydrological_atlas_1978/water_quantity_temperature_winds/18_Large_Lakes_1978_150.pdf|publisher=Natural Resources Canada|access-date=12 September 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131120042558/http://ftp2.ctis.nrcan.gc.ca/pub/geott/atlas/archives/english/hydrological_atlas_1978/water_quantity_temperature_winds/18_Large_Lakes_1978_150.pdf|archive-date=20 November 2013}}</ref> and the largest lake partially within the Arctic Circle
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Nyasa outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" | {{nts|9}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Malawi|Malawi (Nyasa)]]
| align="left" | {{MWI}}<br />{{MOZ}}<br />{{TZA}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|29600|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|579|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|706|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|8640|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Has more species of fish than any other lake in the world.<ref name="Protected Areas Programme">{{Cite web|url=http://www.unep-wcmc.org/protected_areas/data/wh/lakemal.html |title=Protected Areas Programme |access-date=2008-06-26 |date=October 1995 |publisher=United Nations Environment Programme, World Conservation Monitoring Centre, UNESCO |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511101010/http://www.unep-wcmc.org/protected_areas/data/wh/lakemal.html |archive-date=2008-05-11 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Great slave outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|10}}
| align="left" | [[Great Slave Lake]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|27200|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|480|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|614|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|1115|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Deepest lake in North America<ref name="WorldAtlas.com: Great Slave Lake">{{cite web | url=http://www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/infopage/greatslave.htm | title=WorldAtlas.com: Great Slave Lake | access-date=23 November 2014}}</ref>
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Erie outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|11}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Erie|Erie]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}<br />{{USA}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|25667|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| {{convert|388|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|64|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| {{convert|488|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| align="left" |Has the smallest volume of the [[Great Lakes]].
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Winnipeg outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|12}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Winnipeg|Winnipeg]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|24514|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|425|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|36|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|294|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Very large [[Drainage basin|catchment area]] compared to own size. No other great lake has that ratio.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Ontario outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|13}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Ontario|Ontario]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}<br />{{USA}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|18970|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| {{convert|311|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|244|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| {{convert|1631|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| align="left" |The lowest lying of the [[Great Lakes]].
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Ladoga outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#FFCCFF" | {{nts|14}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Ladoga|Ladoga]]
| align="left" | {{RUS}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|17700|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|219|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|260|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|837|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Largest lake in Europe.<ref name="feow.org">{{cite web | url=http://www.feow.org/ecoregions/details/lake_onega_lake_ladoga | title=Freshwater Ecoregions of the World: Lake Ladoga | access-date=23 November 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116170216/http://www.feow.org/ecoregions/details/Lake_Onega_Lake_Ladoga | archive-date=16 January 2017 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Balkhash outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#98FF98" | {{nts|15}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Balkhash|Balkhash]]
| align="left" | {{KAZ}}
| align="center" | Saline 0.3% (variable)
| {{convert|16400|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|605|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|26|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|100|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Fresh shallow western part. Salty deeper eastern part. Shrinking in size.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Vostok outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#FFFFFF" | {{nts|16}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Vostok|Vostok]]
| align="left" | {{flag|Antarctica}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|12500|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|250|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|900|m|abbr=on|sortable=on|ft|disp=br}}
| {{convert|5400|+/-|1600|km3|abbr=on|sortable=on|cumi|disp=br}}
| align="left" | Largest lake in Antarctica, but [[subglacial lake|subglacial]].
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Onega outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#FFCCFF" | {{nts|17}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Onega|Onega]]
| align="left" | {{RUS}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|9700|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|245|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|127|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|291|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Second-largest lake in Europe.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Titicaca outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#FFEBAD" | {{nts|18}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Titicaca|Titicaca]]
| align="left" | {{PER}}<br />{{BOL}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|8372|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|177|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|281|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|896|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Highest navigable lake in the world. Greatest mountain lake too. Largest lake in South America.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Nicaragua outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|19}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Nicaragua|Nicaragua]]
| align="left" | {{NIC}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|8264|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|177|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|26|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|110|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" | Largest lake in Central America. Contains [[Bull shark|fresh water sharks]].
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Athabasca outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|20}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Athabasca|Athabasca]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|7850|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|335|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|124|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|204|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |A remnant of the vast, [[Glacial Lake McConnell]]. Huge catchment area (ratio).
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Reindeer outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="CCFFFF" | {{nts|21}}
| align="left" | [[Reindeer Lake|Reindeer]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}
| align="center" | Fresh
|
{{convert|6650|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
|
{{convert|245|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
|
{{convert|219|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
|
{{convert|113|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |The deepest areas are the site of a large meteorite [[Impact event|impact]], which happened almost 100 million years ago. Much older than the lake.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Turkana outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" | {{nts|22}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Turkana|Turkana]]
| align="left" | {{KEN}}<br />{{ETH}}
| align="center" | Saline 0.25% (approx.)
| {{convert|6405|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|248|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|109|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|193|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Largest permanent desert lake and the world's largest alkaline lake.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.omovalley.com/Lake-Turkana-in-Kenya-it-is-the-worlds-largest-desert-alkali-lake.php | title=Omo Valley in Ethiopia, Lake Turkana | access-date=23 November 2014 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031195526/http://www.omovalley.com/Lake-Turkana-in-Kenya-it-is-the-worlds-largest-desert-alkali-lake.php | archive-date=31 October 2014 }}</ref>
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Issyk-kul outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#98FF98" | {{nts|23}}
| align="left" | [[Issyk-Kul]]
| align="left" | {{KGZ}}
| align="center" | Saline 0.6%
| {{convert|6236|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|182|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|668|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|1736|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Second largest mountain lake in the world. Second deepest saline lake as well.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Vänern outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#FFCCFF" | {{nts|24}}
| align="left" | [[Vänern]]
| align="left" | {{SWE}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|5650|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|140|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|106|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|153|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" | Largest lake in the [[European Union]].
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" |
| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" | {{nts|25}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Rukwa|Rukwa]]
| align="left" | {{TZA}}<br />
| align="center" | Saline
| {{convert|5614.7|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name = "Characteristic Equations for Lake Rukwa">{{cite web | url=https://www.ajol.info/index.php/tjet/article/view/236622 | title=Development of Improved Characteristic Equations for Lake Rukwa in Tanzania | access-date=8 Nov 2024}}</ref>
| {{convert|183|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|22.49|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|58.243|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" | Tanzania's 4th largest lake.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Albert outline.png]]
| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" | {{nts|26}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Albert (Uganda)|Albert]]
| align="left" | {{UGA}}<br />{{COD}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|5590|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name = "CIA World Factbook - Major Lakes">{{cite web | url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/major-lakes-area-sq-km/ | title=Major Lakes | access-date=9 Oct 2023}}</ref>
| {{convert|161|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|51|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|133|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" |
[[File:Nettilling outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|27}}
| align="left" | [[Nettilling Lake|Nettilling]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}
| align="center" | Fresh
|
{{convert|5542|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
|
{{convert|113|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
|
{{convert|132|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
|
{{convert|130|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left"| Largest lake on an island; [[Baffin Island]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.geocurrents.info/geonotes/lakes-on-islands-in-lakes-toba-and-taal-in-indonesia-and-the-philippines | title=Lakes on Islands | date=30 March 2012 | access-date=23 November 2014}}</ref>
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" |
[[File:Winnipegosis outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|28}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Winnipegosis|Winnipegosis]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|5370|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|245|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|12|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
|
{{convert|17.2|km3|cumi|abbr=on|
sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Second largest lake in [[Manitoba]].
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Mweru outline.png]]
| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" | {{nts|29}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Mweru|Mweru]]
| align="left" | {{ZMB}}<br />{{COD}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|5120|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|131|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|27|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|38|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |The second largest lake in the Congo's [[drainage basin]], Tanganyika being the largest.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Nipigon outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|30}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Nipigon|Nipigon]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|4848|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|116|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|165|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|266|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Largest lake entirely in Ontario. Part of the [[Great Lakes region|Great Lake]] drainage basin. Often referred to as the, "sixth" or "seventh" lake, together with [[Lake St. Clair|St. Clair]].
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Manitoba outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|31}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Manitoba|Manitoba]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}
| align="center" | Saline 0.35%
| {{convert|4706|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|225|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|7|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|14.1|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |A remnant of the prehistoric, [[Glacial Lake Agassiz]] together with: Winnipeg and Winnipegosis.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Taymyr outline.png]]
| bgcolor="#98FF98" | {{nts|32}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Taymyr|Taymyr]]
| align="left" | {{RUS}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|4560|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|250|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|26|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|12.8|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Largest lake entirely within the Arctic Circle.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Qinghai outline.png]]
| bgcolor="#98FF98" | {{nts|33}}
| align="left" | [[Qinghai Lake|Qinghai]]
| align="left" | {{CHN}}
| align="center" | Saline 1.4% (variable)
| {{convert|4489|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}} (2007)
|
| {{convert|32.8|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
|
{{convert|108|km3|cumi|abbr=on|
sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Largest lake in China. Variable in size. Endorheic basin.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Saimaa outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#FFCCFF" | {{nts|34}}
| align="left" | [[Saimaa]]
| align="left" | {{FIN}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|4380|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
|
| {{convert|82|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|36|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Largest catchment area of the lakes within the Nordic countries.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Lake of the Woods outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|35}}
| align="left" | [[Lake of the Woods]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}<br />{{USA}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|4350|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|110|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|64|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|19.4|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |About 15 000 islands. The shoreline measures (included these) roughly: 105 000&nbsp;km.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Khanka outline.png]]
| bgcolor="#98FF98" |{{nts|36}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Khanka|Khanka]]
| align="left" | {{RUS}}<br />{{CHN}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|4190|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|90|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|10.6|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|18.3|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Has a shape like a pear. Variable size. Drains through the [[Amur River]], that ends in the [[Sea of Japan]].
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Sarygamysh outline.png]]
| bgcolor="#98FF98" |{{nts|37}}
| align="left" | [[Sarygamysh Lake|Sarygamysh]]
| align="left" | {{TKM}}<br />{{UZB}}
| align="center" | Saline 1.15% (approx.)
| {{convert|3955|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|125|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|40|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|68.56|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Located about midway between the Caspian [[Endorheic basin]] and former Aral Sea. No drainage river today. Drained centuries ago to the Caspian Sea ([[Uzboy River]]). Polluted.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Dubawant outline.png]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" |{{nts|38}}
| align="left" | [[Dubawnt Lake|Dubawnt]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|3833|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
|
|
|
{{convert|91|km3|cumi|abbr=on|
sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Frozen surface 10 months each year. No permanent settlements on its shores.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Van outline.png]]
| bgcolor="#98FF98" |{{nts|39}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Van|Van]]
| align="left" | {{TUR}}
| align="center" | Saline 2.3%
| {{convert|3755|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|119|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|451|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|642|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Largest lake in the [[Middle East]]. Third deepest saline lake.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Peipus outline.png]]
| bgcolor="#FFCCFF" |{{nts|40}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Peipus|Peipus]]
| align="left" | {{EST}}<br />{{RUS}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|3555|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
|
| {{convert|15.3|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|25|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Largest trans-boundary lake in Europe.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Uvs outline.png]]
| bgcolor="#98FF98" |{{nts|41}}
| align="left" | [[Uvs Lake|Uvs]]
| align="left" | {{flag|Mongolia}}
{{flag|Russia}}
| align="center" | Saline 1.9% (approx.)
| {{convert|3350|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|84|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|22|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
|
{{convert|20|km3|cumi|abbr=on|
sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Greatest lake in Mongolia (by area). Very large catchment area (endorheic).
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:north aral outline.png]]
| bgcolor="#98FF98" |{{nts|42}}
| align="left" | [[North Aral Sea]]
| align="left" | {{KAZ}}
| align="center" | Variable: from 0.9 to 1.2%
| {{convert|3300|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| 
| {{convert|42|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
|
{{convert|28.7|km3|cumi|abbr=on|
sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Largest remnant of the former [[Aral Sea]]. Once the world's third largest lake.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" |
| bgcolor="#98FF98" |{{nts|43}}
| align="left" | [[Poyang Lake|Poyang]]
| align="left" | {{CHN}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|3210|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|170|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|25.1|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|25.2|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Largest fresh water [[lake]] in China. Variable size. Important location for the birdlife.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" |
| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" |{{nts|44}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Tana|Tana]]
| align="left" | {{ETH}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|3200|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|84|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|15|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
|
{{convert|25.6|km3|cumi|abbr=on|
sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |The source of the [[Blue Nile]].
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" |
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" |{{nts|45}}
| align="left" | [[Amadjuak Lake|Amadjuak]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|3115|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
|
|
|
{{convert|74|km3|cumi|abbr=on|
sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |In geological terms, a "young" lake (approximately 4,500 years old). Second largest on Baffin Island, third largest in [[Nunavut]].
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" |
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" |{{nts|46}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Melville|Melville]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}
| align="center" | Saline 1.95% (approx. average of surface and bottom water)
| {{convert|3069|km2|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
|
{{convert|140|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
|
{{convert|256|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
|
{{convert|313|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" | Estuary connected with the Atlantic Ocean. Large drainage basin in the [[Labrador]].
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" |
| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" |{{nts|47}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Bangweulu|Bangweulu]]
| align="left" | {{ZAM}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|3000|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}} (permanent)
| {{convert|75|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|10|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
|
{{convert|12|km3|cumi|abbr=on|
sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="center" |One of the world's great [[wetland]] systems. The area has swamps and [[floodplain]]. Variable size on this shallow lake. Crucial importance for animals and birds, of a far larger area.
|}

Source for the 20 largest lakes (and their areas):<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldlakes.org/lakeprofiles.asp?anchor=area|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040224083948/http://www.worldlakes.org/lakeprofiles.asp?anchor=area|url-status=usurped|archive-date=February 24, 2004|title=Largest Lakes (Area)|publisher=LakeNet|access-date=3 March 2013}}</ref>

==Geological list==
Following are the dozen largest lakes under geological definitions, down to {{convert|17500|km2|abbr=on}} in area.

{| border="0"
|-
|colspan="2" align="center"|
{| class="wikitable" align="center"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
!colspan="7" align="center"| [[Continent]] colour key
|-
|bgcolor="#CCCCFF"|[[Africa]]
|bgcolor="#98FF98"|[[Asia]]
|bgcolor="#FFCCFF"|[[Europe]]
|bgcolor="#CCFFFF"|[[North America]]
|}
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:right;"
|- style="vertical-align:bottom;"
! class=unsortable | Thumbnail, <br/>at fixed scale[[File:Scale outline.png]]
!
! style="text-align:left;" | Name
! style="text-align:left;" | Countries with shoreline
! Type
! Area
! Length
! {{abbr|Max.|Maximum}} <br/>depth
! Volume
! Notes
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Michigan-Huron outline.png]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" |{{nts|1}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Michigan–Huron|Michigan–Huron]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}<br />{{USA}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|117620|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| {{convert|710|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|282|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| {{convert|8450|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| align="left" | Contains [[Manitoulin Island]], the world's largest lake island.<ref name=Manitoulin/>
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Superior outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" |{{nts|2}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Superior|Superior]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}<br />{{USA}}
| align="center" | [[Fresh water|Fresh]]
| {{convert|82100|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| {{convert|616|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|406|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| {{convert|12070|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| align="left" | Largest of the [[Great Lakes]] by volume, having more water than the other four combined.<ref name=Superior/> 
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Victoria outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" |{{nts|3}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Victoria|Victoria]]
| align="left" | {{TZA}}<br />{{UGA}}<br />{{KEN}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|59940|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|322|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|81|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|2420|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" | The largest lake by area in Africa.<ref name="WorldAtlas.com: Lake Victoria"/>
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Tanganyika outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" |{{nts|4}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Tanganyika|Tanganyika]]
| align="left" | {{ubli|{{TZA}}|{{COD}}|{{BDI}}|{{ZMB}}}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|32900|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|676|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|1470|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|18750|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" | Second-largest lake by volume and second longest.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Baikal outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#98FF98" |{{nts|5}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Baikal|Baikal]]
| align="left" | {{RUS}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|31722|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|636|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|1642|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|23610|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" | Deepest lake in the world and largest by volume.<ref name=Baikal/>
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Great bear outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|6}}
| align="left" | [[Great Bear Lake]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|31153|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|373|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|446|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|2234|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Largest lake entirely within Canada,<ref>{{cite web|title=Plate 18. Large Lakes|url=http://ftp2.ctis.nrcan.gc.ca/pub/geott/atlas/archives/english/hydrological_atlas_1978/water_quantity_temperature_winds/18_Large_Lakes_1978_150.pdf|publisher=Natural Resources Canada|access-date=12 September 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131120042558/http://ftp2.ctis.nrcan.gc.ca/pub/geott/atlas/archives/english/hydrological_atlas_1978/water_quantity_temperature_winds/18_Large_Lakes_1978_150.pdf|archive-date=20 November 2013}}</ref> and the largest lake partially within the Arctic Circle
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Nyasa outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCCCFF" | {{nts|7}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Malawi|Malawi]]
| align="left" | {{MWI}}<br />{{MOZ}}<br />{{TZA}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|29500|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|579|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|706|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|8640|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Has more species of fish than any other lake in the world.<ref name="Protected Areas Programme"/>
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Great slave outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|8}}
| align="left" | [[Great Slave Lake]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|27200|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|480|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|614|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|1115|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Deepest lake in North America<ref name="WorldAtlas.com: Great Slave Lake"/>
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Erie outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|9}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Erie|Erie]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}<br />{{USA}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|25667|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| {{convert|388|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|64|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| {{convert|488|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| align="left" |Has the smallest volume of the [[Great Lakes]].
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Winnipeg outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|10}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Winnipeg|Winnipeg]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|24514|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|425|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|36|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|294|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Very large [[catchment area]] compared to own size. No other great lake has that ratio.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Ontario outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | {{nts|11}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Ontario|Ontario]]
| align="left" | {{CAN}}<br />{{USA}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|18970|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| {{convert|311|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|244|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| {{convert|1631|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}<ref name="USGovernment" />
| align="left" |The lowest lying of the [[Great Lakes]].
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| align="center" | [[File:Ladoga outline.gif]]
| bgcolor="#FFCCFF" | {{nts|12}}
| align="left" | [[Lake Ladoga|Ladoga]]
| align="left" | {{RUS}}
| align="center" | Fresh
| {{convert|17700|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|219|km|mi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|260|m|ft|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| {{convert|837|km3|cumi|abbr=on|sortable=on|disp=br}}
| align="left" |Largest lake in Europe.<ref name="feow.org"/>
|}

==See also==
{{portal|Lakes}}
[[File:Aral Sea.gif|thumb|The Aral Sea 1960 to 2014.]]
* [[List of lakes by volume]]
* [[List of lakes by depth]]
* [[List of largest lakes of Europe]]
* [[Recursive islands and lakes]]
* [[Aral Sea]], formerly the third largest lake in the world, with an area of {{convert|68,000|km2|sqmi|-2|abbr=on}}
* [[Lake Chad]], formerly the eleventh largest lake in the world, with an area of {{convert|26,000|km2|sqmi|-2|abbr=on}}
* [[Lake Urmia]], formerly with an area of {{convert|5,200|km2|sqmi|-2|abbr=on}}, but down to a tenth that size in 2017. It has since increased in area under a restoration project.
* [[List of largest lagoons]]
* [[List of largest lakes and seas in the Solar System]]

== Notes and references ==
''Note: Lake areas may slightly vary depending on the sources.''
;Notes
{{Reflist|group=n}}

;References
{{Reflist|2}}

==Further reading==
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=2dk_SC5TIl8C&pg=PA8 Largest lakes of the former USSR], ''Water Quality Assessment of the Former Soviet Union'' (1998). {{ISBN|0419239200}}.
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=XtZnWjnjahsC&pg=PA627 North America: Physical features], ''The New York Times Guide to Essential Knowledge'' (2011). {{ISBN|0312643020}}.

==External links==
* {{cite web|url=http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0001777.html |title=Large Lakes of the World |work=FactMonster |publisher=Pearson Education }}

{{DEFAULTSORT:List Of Lakes By Area}}
[[Category:Lists of lakes|*]]
[[Category:Lists by area|Lakes]]