Burj Khalifa Height – How Tall is the World's Tallest Building?
The Burj Khalifa stands as the world's tallest structure, reaching an extraordinary 2,717 feet (828 meters) into the Dubai skyline. Since its completion in 2010, this architectural marvel has held the record for the tallest building on Earth, surpassing all previous height achievements by a significant margin.
Burj Khalifa Quick Facts
- Official Height: 2,717 feet (828 meters)
- Number of Floors: 163 floors
- Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Completed: 2010
- Architectural Style: Neo-futurism
- Primary Use: Mixed-use (residential, commercial, hotel)
The Height That Changed Architecture
The Burj Khalifa's 2,717-foot height represents a quantum leap in supertall building construction. The tower features 163 floors of mixed-use space, including luxury residences, corporate offices, and the Armani Hotel. Its Y-shaped floor plan, inspired by the desert flower Hymenocallis, maximizes views of the Arabian Gulf while reducing wind forces on the structure. The building's spire alone extends 800 feet above the roof, contributing significantly to its record-breaking height.
Construction utilized revolutionary engineering techniques, including high-performance concrete that could be pumped to unprecedented heights. The tower's buttressed core structural system allows it to withstand Dubai's desert winds and provides exceptional stability. Over 110,000 tons of concrete and 55,000 tons of steel rebar were used in construction, setting new standards for supertall building methodology.
Height Records and Achievements
The Burj Khalifa holds multiple height-related world records: tallest building, tallest free-standing structure, highest number of stories, highest occupied floor, and highest outdoor observation deck. At 1,821 feet (555 meters), the observation deck on the 148th floor offers visitors unprecedented views across Dubai and beyond. The building's height exceeds the previous record holder, Taipei 101, by over 1,000 feet.
Comparison to Other Tall Structures
| Structure | Height | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Burj Khalifa | 2,717 ft (828 m) | World's tallest building |
| Tokyo Skytree | 2,080 ft (634 m) | 637 feet shorter |
| CN Tower | 1,815 ft (553 m) | 902 feet shorter |
| Eiffel Tower | 1,083 ft (330 m) | 1,634 feet shorter |
Related Tall Structures
Explore heights of other famous monuments: Tokyo Skytree, Canton Tower, CN Tower, One World Trade Center, and Taipei 101.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is the Burj Khalifa exactly?
The Burj Khalifa's official height is 2,717 feet (828 meters) from ground level to the tip of its spire, making it the world's tallest building.
How many floors does the Burj Khalifa have?
The Burj Khalifa contains 163 floors above ground, with additional levels below ground for parking and mechanical systems.
What is the highest observation deck in the Burj Khalifa?
The highest observation deck is located on the 148th floor at 1,821 feet (555 meters), offering 360-degree views of Dubai.
How does the Burj Khalifa compare to other tall buildings?
The Burj Khalifa is significantly taller than any other building, exceeding the second-tallest structure by over 600 feet. It's nearly twice the height of the Empire State Building.
How long did it take to build the Burj Khalifa?
Construction of the Burj Khalifa took approximately six years, from 2004 to 2010, employing over 12,000 workers at peak construction.