The morphological classification of this galaxy is SA0(s), indicating it is lenticular in form. It displays a faint, unbarred spiral structure within a generally elliptical profile. NGC 5273 is classified as a type 1.5 Seyfert galaxy, with the X-ray emission from its active galactic nucleus undergoing significant absorption. However, data collected between the year 2000 and 2022 suggest this is a changing–look Seyfert, with the type ranging from 1 to 1.8/1.9. The activity level shows strong variability, allowing reverberation mapping of the supermassive black hole at the core. This object has an estimated mass of (4.7±1.6)×106M☉.
Chromey, F. R. (November 1973), "Studies of Ir II galaxies. I. NGC 4753 and NGC 5273", Astronomy and Astrophysics, 29: 77–84, Bibcode:1973A&A....29...77C.