There is a small black tuft at the tip. The fur of the body is long and thick. That on the tail is sparse, only just covering the scales of the tail. The soles of the feet are hairless, as are the long ears, which are usually over 20mm in length. Adults generally weigh between 100 and 227g.
Males are normally a little larger than females.
This gerbil's preferred habitat is almost anywhere that is not too sandy, or too cold. For example, the limit of their habitation matches closely the southern limit of winter frosts. Although dry plains are preferred, there is almost no type of habitat that these gerbils will not occupy if there is suitable food. In India, Indian Gerbils are very common in areas of human habitation and in Iraq and Syria it is almost only found near villages. In Iran they live more remotely in areas with green vegetation all year round.