Which ocean is the largest by surface area?

The Pacific Ocean is recognized as the largest ocean by surface area, covering approximately 63 million square miles (165 million square kilometers). Its vast expanse stretches from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south, as well as bordering the coasts of Asia and Australia on the west and the Americas on the east. This immense size contributes significantly to its importance in global shipping routes, marine biodiversity, and climate patterns.

In comparison, the Indian Ocean is the third-largest, following the Atlantic Ocean in size. The Arctic Ocean, while notable for its unique environment and geography, is the smallest of all the world’s oceans. Understanding these distinctions highlights the dominance of the Pacific Ocean in terms of physical geography and its role in the Earth's systems.