Culture & Lifestyle • Architecture

List of tallest buildings

The tallest buildings in the world are ranked by architectural height, most commonly using the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) standard.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The tallest buildings in the world are ranked by architectural height, most commonly using the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) standard. As of 2026, Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest completed building in the world, followed by Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai Tower in Shanghai. The CTBUH defines a tall building as one with 14 or more stories and a height above 50 metres.

Ranking method

The standard reference for global tall-building rankings is the CTBUH, which classifies tall buildings by architectural height. Architectural height counts the building’s structure but not antennas or other non-building masts. The CTBUH also defines a tall building as one with at least 14 stories and a height above 50 metres.

Current top rankings

The tallest completed building is Burj Khalifa in Dubai, followed by Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai Tower in Shanghai. Other buildings commonly listed near the top include the Makkah Royal Clock Tower, Ping An Finance Center, and Lotte World Tower.

Record-holding buildings

Burj Khalifa is notable not only for its height but also for its 163 occupied floors. It has remained the tallest completed building since 2010 and is frequently cited as a landmark example of modern supertall construction.

Ongoing and proposed projects

The title of tallest building may change if projects under construction are completed. Jeddah Tower has been widely reported as a planned supertall tower intended to exceed 1,000 metres.

Key facts

Burj Khalifa has been the world's tallest completed building since its completion in 2010.
Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur is the second tallest completed building, at 679 m.
Shanghai Tower is the third tallest completed building, at 632 m.
The CTBUH is the main organization used for global tall-building rankings.
Rankings are usually based on architectural height rather than total height with antennas or masts.

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Canadian context

Canadian readers may know this topic through Canadian skyscraper rankings, including Toronto’s and Calgary’s prominent high-rise developments, although none rank among the world’s tallest completed buildings.

Frequently asked questions

What is the tallest building in the world?

Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest completed building in the world, at 828 m (2,717 ft).

What is the second tallest building in the world?

Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur is the second tallest completed building, at 679 m (2,227 ft).

How is the tallest building measured?

CTBUH rankings use architectural height, which counts the building’s structure but not antennas or other non-building masts.

What is the CTBUH?

The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat is an international nonprofit organization based in Chicago that tracks and classifies tall buildings.

Is Jeddah Tower the tallest building in the world?

No. It is widely described as a planned or under-construction project, not a completed building.

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/tallest-buildings-in-the-world-2226971
Supports: CTBUH as ranking authority; Burj Khalifa, Merdeka 118, and Shanghai Tower rankings; CTBUH tall-building definition
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat — https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/buildings
Supports: 2026 tallest completed buildings list and heights for Burj Khalifa, Merdeka 118, Shanghai Tower, and other top-ranked buildings
Guinness World Records — https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records/hall-of-fame/burj-khalifa-tallest-building-in-the-world
Supports: Burj Khalifa certified as the tallest building in the world and its opening date