Sumatra chickens are primarily an ornamental breed kept for their attractive plumage. Most often they are pitch black with a green sheen throughout the body and tail. The breed additionally comes in blue and white varieties. Males usually weigh between 4 and 5 pounds, and females weigh between 3¹⁄₂ and 4 pounds. Hens lay about 100 white eggs a year. Both males and females have no wattles, and males often have multiple spurs.

The breed is considered a primitive one; the Sumatra retains a strong flying ability, unlike most modern chicken breeds.