[3][5] It is classified as a dwarf spheroidal galaxy (dSph) meaning that it has an approximately round shape with the half-light radius of about 130 pc.

A high mass to light ratio implies that Leo IV is dominated by the dark matter.

[5] The stellar population of Leo IV consists mainly of old stars formed more than 12 billion years ago.

Nevertheless, the detailed study of the stellar population revealed the presence of a small number of much younger stars with the age of about 2 billion years or less.

The measurements have so far failed to detect any neutral hydrogen in it—the upper limit is just 600 solar masses.