Among all the owls in the world, the powerful owl is the ninth longest from bill-to-tail, the tenth heaviest and the eighth longest winged. Body mass in males have been reported at 0.99 to 2.22 kg (2.2 to 4.9 lb), with 13 males averaging 1.45 kg (3.2 lb), while females can weigh from 1.04 to 1.6 kg (2.3 to 3.5 lb), with an average in 9 females of 1.25 kg (2.8 lb). Most owls and raptors have reverse sexual dimorphism (RSD) whereas the powerful owl is considered to have normal sexual dimorphism (NSD) as do a majority of living (non-raptorial) birds.
Unlike in a vast majority of owl species, the male is slightly larger than the female on average. This species measures 45 to 65 cm (18 to 26 in) in length and spans 112 to 135 cm (44 to 53 in) across the wings. It can be considered, along with its sister species the rufous owl (Ninox rufa), as Australia's analogue to the Bubo genus. This owl is the largest species of the "hawk owl" group found in much of Asia and the Australasian region, all including in Ninox. They are aptly named, with very powerful and heavy claws. This species has large yellow eyes, with greyish feathering down to the base of the toes and feet of a dull yellow color. The tail has six narrow white bars contrasting with grey-brown.
The underparts are white with bold grey-brown V-shaped barring.
The upperparts are a dark gray-brown colour, mottled and barred with whitish. The protruding bill and distinct brow ridges enhance the hawk-like appearance of the species. The powerful owl has a long tail and a small head, lending it an atypical silhouette for an owl and imparting a more hawk-like appearance than any other large owl.
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