Architecture: Tallest Skyscrapers, by height
BuildingHeight,
in meters
Burj Khalifa (Dubai, UAE, 2010)828.0
Shanghai Tower (Shanghai, China, 2015)632.0
Makkah Clock Royal Tower (Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 2012)601.0
Ping An International Finance Center (Shenzhen, China, 2017)599.1
Lotte World Tower (Seoul, South Korea, 2017)554.5
One World Trade Center (New York, U.S., 2014)541.3
Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre (Guangzhou, China, 2016)530.0
Tianjin CTF Finance Centre (Tianjin, China, 2019)530.0
CITIC Tower (Beijing, China, 2018)527.7
Taipei 101 (Taipei, Taiwan, 2004)508.0
Shanghai World Financial Center (Shanghai, China, 2008)492.0
International Commerce Centre (Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2010)484.0
Central Park Tower (New York, U.S., 2020)472.4
Lakhta Center (St. Petersburg, Russia, 2019)462.0
Vincom Landmark 81 (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 2018)461.2
The Exchange 106 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2019)453.6
Petronas Tower 2 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 1998)451.9
Petronas Tower 1 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 1998)451.9
Changsha IFS Tower T1 (Changsha, China, 2018)452.1
Suzhou IFS (Suzhou, China, 2019)450.0
  • Region: Worldwide
  • Time period: Mar 2023
  • Published: Mar 2023

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 27, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Dominance of China in Skyscraper Construction

China is home to 9 out of the 20 tallest skyscrapers listed, demonstrating the country's significant investment and emphasis on high-rise buildings. Notably, cities such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou feature prominently, underscoring China's urban development strategy.

Burj Khalifa's Unmatched Height

The Burj Khalifa stands as the tallest building in the world with a remarkable height of 828 meters. Its nearest competitor, the Shanghai Tower, is significantly shorter at 632 meters, showcasing the Burj Khalifa's unique architectural achievement.

Twin Towers Holding Identical Heights

The Petronas Towers, both Tower 1 and Tower 2, share the exact height of 451.9 meters, making them unique examples of twin skyscrapers that rank equally in terms of height among the world's tallest buildings.

Rapid Construction in the 21st Century

All buildings in the list were completed after the year 2000, with the majority being inaugurated in the 2010s. This trend highlights a global shift towards taller skyscrapers, driven by advancements in construction technology and architectural design.

Diverse Geographic Distribution

While China dominates the list, the skyscrapers are spread across 10 different countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, the United States, Russia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Taiwan. This diversity indicates a worldwide interest in constructing monumental high-rises.

Evolving Skyline of Asian Megacities

Asian cities are prominently featured, with 15 out of the 20 skyscrapers located in Asia. This concentration underscores the rapid urbanization and economic growth within the continent, particularly in China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Malaysia.

Exclusive Club of 600+ Meters

Only three buildings surpass the 600-meter mark: Burj Khalifa, Shanghai Tower, and Makkah Clock Royal Tower. This elite group highlights the engineering challenges and significant investments required to reach such extraordinary heights.

Variation in Heights Among Top Skyscrapers

The difference in height between the tallest (Burj Khalifa) and the 20th tallest (Suzhou IFS) skyscraper is 378 meters. This wide range illustrates the varying ambitions and technical capabilities of countries and developers around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has the most number of tallest skyscrapers in the world?

With 9 out of the 20 tallest skyscrapers, China dominates the list.

Which is currently the tallest skyscraper in the world and how tall is it?

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai stands as the world's tallest building with a height of 828 meters.

Which twin towers hold identical heights and what is that height?

The Petronas Towers, both Tower 1 and Tower 2, share the exact height of 451.9 meters.

Terms and Definitions

A skyscraper is a very tall, continuously habitable, multistory building characterized by lightweight construction and a relatively small ground area but extreme height. Prospective skyscrapers are primarily used for offices, commercial, and residential purposes.

In the context of skyscrapers, height refers to the vertical measurement from the base to the topmost architectural detail of the building. This includes elements like antennae and flagpoles.

Structural height is determined by measuring from the base to the highest structural element of the building, typically excluding any non-structural additions such as antennas, flagpoles, etc. It refers to the height up to which the construction of the building is done.

Roof height refers to the vertical distance measured from the base of the building to its highest roof point. This measurement generally excludes any equipment, antennae, or other items placed upon the roof.

Architectural detail refers to the decorative components, features, and finishes that make a building visually appealing and unique. In terms of skyscrapers, this includes elements like spires but excludes functional equipment like antennas.

This term refers to the count of the building's stories that are above the level of the ground. It does not include underground levels or basements.

This term refers to the skyscrapers that outdo others in terms of structural or architectural height. It's not unusual for the definition to vary, given that some consider a building's total height including antennae, while others consider only the height up to the roof or architectural detail.

The CTBUH is an international body in the field of tall buildings and sustainable urban design. It serves as a recognized authority on high-rises and determines the 'height' of buildings for the Guinness Book of World Records.
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