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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Everyday Life • 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.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

The world's tallest buildings 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, followed by Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai Tower in Shanghai.

What it is

The CTBUH defines a tall building as having at least 14 stories and a height above 50 metres. Rankings are based on architectural height, which counts the building's structure but not antennas or masts. This standard is the main reference for global tall-building lists.

Key details

Burj Khalifa has been the tallest completed building since 2010, at 828 metres. Merdeka 118 stands at 679 metres, and Shanghai Tower at 632 metres. Other notable buildings near the top include the Makkah Royal Clock Tower, Ping An Finance Center, and Lotte World Tower.

Why it matters

These rankings highlight engineering achievements and urban development trends, with most of the tallest buildings concentrated in Asia and the Middle East. Canadian readers may note that Toronto and Calgary have prominent high-rise developments, though none rank among the world's tallest completed buildings.

In short

  • Burj Khalifa is the tallest completed building at 828 m.
  • Merdeka 118 and Shanghai Tower are second and third.
  • CTBUH rankings use architectural height, not antenna height.
  • Most of the world's tallest buildings are in Asia and the Middle East.
Canadian angle

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.

Quick questions

What is the tallest building in the world?
Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest completed building, at 828 m (2,717 ft).
How is the tallest building measured?
CTBUH rankings use architectural height, which counts the building's structure but not antennas or masts.
Is Jeddah Tower the tallest building in the world?
No. It is a planned or under-construction project, not a completed building.

Sources

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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