• Gaur reaches a body length of 3.6 meters, of which 80 cm is the tail, and a shoulder height of 1.5–1.6 meters. The female is smaller and has shorter horns.

The young gaur has short, soft dark brown fur and hooves that aid in walking on forest slopes and soft ground; the species possesses a massive body with strong legs adapted to life on hills. Adult gaurs have short, stiff dark fur with white markings on the lower parts of their legs, and their tails have a tuft at the end to help ward off insects. The adult has two horns directed outwards and slightly upwards, which are used for defense and establishing dominance.