Can You Name the States From Smallest to Largest?

By: Lauren Lubas
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Name the States From Smallest to Largest?
Image: Andrea_Hill/DigitalVision Vectors/GettyImages / Andrea_Hill/DigitalVision Vectors/GettyImages

About This Quiz

There are a lot of factors that are used to compare states. Whether it is the size of the state's population or the political parties that represent the state, you will find that each state in the United States has its own identity and personality. For this quiz, we are going to be looking at the size of each state, by square mileage, in order to tell the difference between each one.

A state's size tells a lot about it. Whether you delve into the past of the properties owned by high-level landowners before all of the lines were drawn on the maps, or you consider how densely populated each state was when the maps of the United States were created, you'll find that state size directly reflects the history of the land that is identified in that region. 

Remember, this quiz is all about the smallest to the largest. We care about those smaller states, and it's important for them to get representation early on. We will be going in order, so the best way to pass this quiz is to remember the names of each state and about how big they actually are. By the time you're done answering these questions, you'll be able to label yourself a geography master or a geography dud. 


01_Rhode Island
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The smallest state in the US is which one?
Rhode Island
Connecticut
Maryland
Illinois
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Coming in at only 1,034 square miles, Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States. You can find it on the East Coast between Massachusetts and Connecticut. It is best known for it's small, wholesome and colonial towns.

02_Delaware
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This smaller state is south of New Jersey. Can you name it?
Vermont
Delaware
South Carolina
Maryland
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Founded in 1787, Delaware is an East Coast state that is well-known for its beautiful scenery and seemingly endless landmarks. The state might be small, but it does attract tourists who are looking for history lessons.

03_Connecticut
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Can you name this state that is small but has a big name?
Massachusetts
Vermont
Connecticut
New York
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Connecticut is over twice the size of Delaware, but still only comes in at just under 5,000 square miles. This state is the home of Yale University as well as the Seaport museum in Mystic.

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04_Hawaii
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What is the name of this island state?
Alaska
New York
Maryland
Hawaii
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When you look at a map, you might think that Hawaii is the smallest state in the US, but it actually comes in at number four. The 6,423 square miles of the state encompasses all of the eight major islands added together.

05_New Jersey
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Do you know the name of this East Coast state?
New Jersey
New York
Maine
Connecticut
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Northern New Jersey is very close to New York City, and is home to many of the people who work in the city. This state is full of commerce and industry, as well as some pretty fine beaches that lie on the East Coast.

06_Massachusetts
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You can find Harvard University in which state?
Maine
Massachusetts
Vermont
Connecticut
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Massachusetts might be a small state, but it has a rather large population, thanks to the city of Boston and the great universities within the 7,838 square miles that make up the state.

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07_New Hampshire
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This state isn't really new, but it claims to be. Can you name it?
New Jersey
New York
New Hampshire
Connecticut
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you're wondering which state looks like it's giving you the thumbs up, it's New Hampshire. This state was founded in 1776. so it isn't technically new, but it's newer than the old Hampshire.

08_Vermont
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What is the name of this state that is west of New Hampshire?
Maine
Massachusetts
New York
Vermont
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Vermont is only slightly larger than New Hampshire, but it snuggles up next to it. Vermont is known for cheese, maple syrup and being in the shape of a V (for Vermont). It is also home to some of the best landscapes in the United States.

09_Maryland
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Can you name this state that borders Delaware?
Maryland
Connecticut
New York
North Carolina
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Maryland might be small, but it is well known for its intricate waterways and incredibly long coastline (by mile). For such a small state, a major portion of its border is touching some form of water.

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10_West Virginia
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Do you know which state is 24,087 square miles?
Virginia
West Virginia
South Carolina
Georgia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Home to Civil War battles and historic monuments, West Virginia is a state that is rich with historical facts. For those who love to learn when they travel, West Virginia is the perfect destination.

11_South Carolina
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What is the name of this state that has a lot of little islands?
New York
North Carolina
South Carolina
Georgia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In South Carolina's 30,111 square miles, you will find Fort Sumpter (where the Civil War began), plantations and historic housing. Additionally, there are over 60 miles of coastline to dig your toes in the sand.

12_Maine
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The capital of this state is Augusta. Can you name it?
Vermont
Rhode Island
Connecticut
Maine
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you're thinking about lobster, Stephen King and lighthouses right now, you are not alone. Maine is pretty famous for all of these things. Maine is also the easternmost state in the US and very close to Canada.

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13_Indiana
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This is one of the smallest states in the Midwest. Do you know which one it is?
Indiana
Illinois
Iowa
Wisconsin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Indiana might seem bigger than it actually is, but that's because it is right between two larger states: Illinois and Ohio. The state was founded in 1816 as the 19th state in the United States.

14_Virginia
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Can you name this state that touches both the Chesapeake Bay and the Appalachian Mountains?
North Carolina
Virginia
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Virginia has a lot of historic monuments, museums, battlegrounds, tours and sight-seeing. In addition, it boasts some pretty beautiful landscape that includes coastlines and mountain ranges.

15_Kentucky
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Do you think you can guess the name of this state that is almost 40,000 square miles?
Illinois
Missouri
Kentucky
Idaho
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Those who have never traveled to Kentucky might be surprised to know that the landscape there is both mountainous and beautiful. There are also several caves and trails for explorers who are interested in outdoor activities.

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16_Ohio
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Which state is round on the outside and high in the middle?
Missouri
Minnesota
Montana
Ohio
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As one of the Great Lake states, Ohio is often visited by tourists in the summer months. Not only does it have excellent landscapes to view, it also is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

17_Tennessee
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Can you name this state in the South?
Tennessee
Kentucky
Ohio
South Carolina
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Reaching 41,220 square miles, Tennessee is the 17th smallest state in the US. It actually looks much smaller than it is because it is a very mountainous state. It also boasts great nightlife and country Elvis Presley's Graceland.

18_Louisiana
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Do you recognize this state on the Gulf of Mexico?
Alabama
Louisiana
Mississippi
Georgia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While many states boast various cultures, Louisiana brings in several cultures to make its own. In New Orleans, you can find a mix of African, Canadian, Creole and Cajun cultures surrounding the city.

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19_Pennsylvania
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This state is known for its chocolate and coal mining. Can you name it?
Ohio
Kentucky
Pennsylvania
West Virginia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you're looking for a state that has it all, Pennsylvania is where you want to be. You can tour candy factories, work in coal mines or go on historical tours throughout the state.

20_Mississippi
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What is the name of this southern state that is right next to Alabama?
Arkansas
Kansas
Louisiana
Mississippi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mississippi has a pretty volatile past, but it is also a state that is rich with historical events that we should all remember. Should you visit, consider checking out preserved Civil War sites and the Delta Blues Museum.

21_New York
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As one of the most heavily populated states, this one only comes in at 21st in size. Can you name it?
New York
Illinois
California
Texas
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When you think of New York, you probably think of the huge city with giant skyscrapers, but the state is so much more. It is connected to both a Great Lake and the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, its landscape upstate has a lot of offer adventurers and outdoorsy types.

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22_North Carolina
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Which state is only slightly bigger than New York?
South Carolina
North Carolina
West Virginia
Georgia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

North Carolina is approximately 1,500 square miles bigger than New York state, coming in at 48,718 square miles. It's another state that is rich in historic sites and landmarks, and always worth a visit.

23_Alabama
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Do you know the name of this state that is 50,750 square miles?
Mississippi
Florida
Alabama
Arkansas
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When researching the history of the United States, you cannot discuss the Civil Rights Movement without discussing Alabama. The state is home to the Rosa Parks Museum as well as Martin Luther King, Jr.'s church.

24_Arkansas
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Can you name this state that rests along the Mississippi River?
Alabama
Missouri
Idaho
Arkansas
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Arkansas is most well-known for its wilderness areas, beautiful scenery and southern hospitality. It's also the home of former president Bill Clinton, but the Ozarks are what everyone really talks about there.

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25_Florida
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What is the name of this state that is right in the middle, size-wise, of all of the states?
Florida
Wisconsin
Michigan
Texas
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Florida seems like a very large state, and that is because it isn't surrounded by other states. However, Florida is only about 5,3997 square miles, making it the 25th smallest state in the United States.

26_Wisconsin
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Which state is known for its cheese?
California
Wisconsin
Vermont
Iowa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you ever have the pleasure of driving through Wisconsin, you'll notice that there are two major things to see: forests and farms. This state has rich soils that are perfect for planting.

27_Illinois
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Do you recognize this Midwestern state?
Iowa
Minnesota
Illinois
Indiana
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While most think of the city of Chicago when they think of Illinois, the majority of the state is covered in farmland. Corn and soy are the two major crops that come out of this state.

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28_Iowa
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Surprisingly, this state is larger than Illinois. Can you name it?
Ohio
Indiana
Michigan
Iowa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Iowa doesn't necessarily look like a large state, especially when you compare it to Illinois and Wisconsin. However, it is just under 300 square miles larger than Illinois, owning 55,875 square miles of land.

29_Michigan
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This state comes in two parts. Do you know what it's called?
Michigan
Ohio
Minnesota
Montana
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Michigan has the part that looks like a mitten and then the upper peninsula. These two bodies of land are separated by Lake Michigan, but they are considered a part of the same state.

30_Georgia
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Can you name this large southern state?
Lousiana
Georgia
Florida
West Virginia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Surprisingly, Georgia is much larger than Florida. As a matter of fact, Georgia comes in at 57.919 square miles while Florida is only 53,997 square miles. Additionally, Georgia is considered one of the most historically rich states in the US.

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31_Washington
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Finally reaching the west coast, can you name this state that is on the Pacific Ocean?
Oregon
California
Washington
Alaska
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Washington is the smallest of the states that touch the Pacific Ocean, and by quite a bit, too. It is also one of the states that sees the most rain throughout the year, but it is beautiful and rich with scenery.

32_Oklahoma
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Which panhandle state is in the heartland?
Florida
Connecticut
Montana
Oklahoma
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Oklahoma is well-known for the terrible weather that goes through it. The warm air coming off the Gulf of Mexico mixes with the cold air coming off the Rocky Mountains, and it all lands in Oklahoma, making some of the most turbulent weather in the country.

33_Missouri
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This state hosted a World's Fair. Can you name it?
Missouri
Illinois
New York
New Jersey
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 1904, the Louisiana Purchase Exposition was hosted in St. Louis Missouri. As with all World's Fairs, a large attraction was created (the arch), and it still stands today. In order to finance the event, $15 million was raised from local, state and federal taxes.

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34_North Dakota
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Do you think you can name this larger state with a low population?
Colorado
North Dakota
Wyoming
Idaho
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

North Dakota stands in the Midwest as one of the least populated states in the country. It is also a pretty large state, boasting 68,994 square miles of land that is mostly used for ranching and farming.

35_South Dakota
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The state that is slightly larger than North Dakota borders it. Do you know what it's called?
Iowa
Kansas
South Dakota
Idaho
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With only two major highways running through it, South Dakota seems like a pretty inaccessibly place. However, it is a place that attracts a lot of tourists, as it is home to the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mt. Rushmore.

36_Nebraska
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Which large Great Plains state is home to the cities of Lincoln and Omaha?
Kansas
North Dakota
Minnesota
Nebraska
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Nebraska is home to nearly 2 million people, and is rich in farmland. It also has dramatic landscapes with intense rock formations throughout the state. It boasts a whopping 76,878 square miles of land.

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37_Minnesota
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Which large state is known as the land of 10,000 lakes?
Minnesota
Wisconsin
South Dakota
Wyoming
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Everyone knows that there are tons of lakes in Minnesota, but few actually realize that with all that water comes all of those mosquitoes. However, the land is beautiful and the seasonal changes are even more beautiful.

38_Kansas
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Can you name this Midwestern state that is a little larger than Minnesota?
Nebraska
Kansas
Oklahoma
Utah
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When you think of Kansas, you might think of Dorothy and her dog being swept away to Munchkinland, but this state produces wheat, corn, soy and hay, along with several other crops for the United States.

39_Utah
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What is the name of this state that has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States?
Wyoming
Colorado
Utah
Arizona
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Utah is known for a lot of things. The Great Salt Lake is probably the first thing to come to your mind. However, the natural rock formations, mountains and all-around gorgeous scenery keep tourists coming in year-round.

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40_Idaho
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This state has over 82,000 square miles of land. Can you name it?
Michigan
Oregon
South Dakota
Idaho
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Most well-known for its potato production, Idaho is also home to a lot of protected Native American land. While many think Idaho is a part of the Midwest, it is actually considered a part of the Pacific Northwest.

41_Oregon
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Do you know the name of this Pacific Northwest state that is nearly 14,000 square miles larger than Idaho?
Oregon
Washington
Utah
California
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Oregon is a coveted state to live in. It is rich in modern culture and outdoor activities. It is also rich in volcanoes, as it is home to 19 of them, four of which are active and considered a very high threat.

42_Wyoming
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You'll find this state just south of Montana. What is it?
Colorado
Wyoming
Utah
New Mexico
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although it is one of the larger states in the country, Wyoming is the smallest state when it comes to population. As a matter of fact, it's considered one of the most sparsely populated states in the country.

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43_Colorado
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Can you name this Rocky Mountain state?
Utah
New Mexico
Colorado
Arizona
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although the Rocky Mountain range cuts through several states, the highest peak resides in Colorado. This is one of the major reasons that Colorado is most often associated with the Rockies more than any other states.

44_Nevada
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Do you know the name of this state that is home to Las Vegas?
California
Arizona
Colorado
Nevada
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There are few large cities in Nevada. The majority of the state is desert landscape, and home to some pretty treacherous climates. It's no wonder that the population of the entire state is only around 3 million people.

45_Arizona
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This desert state is about 4,000 square miles larger than Nevada. Can you name it?
Arizona
New Mexico
Utah
Wyoming
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With 113,642 square miles of land, Arizona is one of the largest states in the country. Although many associate Arizona with the desert, it does have several larger cities as well as Flagstaff, a mountain town.

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46_New Mexico
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The Chihuahuan Desert is in this state. Do you know what it's called?
Arizona
New Mexico
Texas
Oklahoma
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Founded in 1912, New Mexico might not look like much, but it has a diverse landscape and an interesting past. It is home to the Georgia O'Keefe Museum and the Santa Fe Opera, an open-air opera.

47_Montana
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You can find Glacier National Park in which state?
Idaho
Washington
Montana
Oregon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

From mountains to the Great Plains, Montana seems to have it all. It is a gorgeous and huge state that ranges a staggering 145,556 square miles of land. However, this land is susceptible to wildfire due to a drought that has plagued it.

48_California
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Do you recognize this state that takes up most of the Pacific Coast?
Texas
Alaska
Oregon
California
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

California is home to a lot of things: Hollywood, some of the most beautiful beaches, desert and mountains. With a state that has 155,973 square miles of land, it only makes sense that it has so many different terrains.

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49_Texas
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Can you name this state that is over 100,000 square miles larger than California?
Texas
Alsaska
Hawaii
Arizona
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Everything is bigger in Texas, even if Texas isn't the biggest state. It is the largest state in the continental US, coming in at 264,914 square miles, dwarfing California by quite a bit.

50_Alaska
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What is the largest state by square miles in the United States?
Texas
Alaska
Nebraska
California
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Alaska might be the largest state in the US, but it doesn't have that big of a population. While it has over 570,000 square miles of land, it only has about 750,000 people living in it. Of course, Texans say their state will be bigger when Alaska melts.

You Got:
/50
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