The Empire State Building is 1,454 feet (443.2 meters) high from ground level to the tip of its antenna. Without the antenna, the building’s roof stands at 1,250 feet (381 meters).
This iconic New York City skyscraper has been one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks since it opened in 1931. Whether you’re researching for school, planning a trip, or simply curious, understanding the building’s height is easier when you compare it with familiar landmarks and measurements.
Quick Answer
| Measurement | Height |
|---|---|
| Height to Roof | 1,250 feet (381 m) |
| Height to Tip (Including Antenna) | 1,454 feet (443.2 m) |
| Total Floors | 102 |
| Observation Decks | 86th and 102nd Floors |
| Year Completed | 1931 |
What Is the Official Height of the Empire State Building?
The official answer to how many feet high is the Empire State Building depends on what you’re measuring.
- Roof height: 1,250 feet (381 meters)
- Height including antenna: 1,454 feet (443.2 meters)
Most modern records use the architectural height or the total height including the antenna when describing the building.
Why Are There Two Different Heights?
Many people notice different numbers online. That’s because the building has several measurable points.
Roof Height
The main roof reaches 1,250 feet above street level.
Antenna Height
A large broadcasting antenna sits on top of the building, bringing the total height to 1,454 feet.
When someone asks how many feet high is the Empire State Building, they’re usually referring to the total height with the antenna.
How Tall Is the Empire State Building Compared to Other Famous Buildings?
| Building | Height |
|---|---|
| Empire State Building (Roof) | 1,250 ft |
| Empire State Building (Tip) | 1,454 ft |
| Eiffel Tower | 1,083 ft |
| Chrysler Building | 1,046 ft |
| One World Trade Center | 1,776 ft |
| Statue of Liberty (Ground to Torch) | 305 ft |
Although One World Trade Center is now taller, the Empire State Building remains one of the world’s most famous skyscrapers.
How Many Stories Is the Empire State Building?
The Empire State Building has 102 floors.
- Floors 1–80 mainly contain office space.
- The 86th-floor observation deck is the most popular viewing area.
- The 102nd-floor observation deck provides an even higher panoramic view of New York City.
How Long Did It Take to Build?
Construction began in March 1930 and finished in April 1931.
The entire building was completed in just 410 days, which was an incredible engineering achievement for its time.
At peak construction, workers completed an average of more than four floors every week.
How Many Steps Are in the Empire State Building?
There are 1,576 steps from the ground floor to the 86th-floor observation deck.
Every year, athletes participate in the Empire State Building Run-Up, racing up these stairs.
What Can You See From the Top?
On a clear day, visitors can see up to 80 miles away.
Popular sights include:
- Central Park
- Times Square
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Hudson River
- Statue of Liberty
- Parts of New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania
Why Was the Empire State Building So Famous?
When it opened in 1931, it became the tallest building in the world, holding that title for nearly 40 years until the original World Trade Center was completed in 1970.
Its fame also comes from appearances in movies, television shows, books, and postcards.
Height Comparison With Everyday Objects
To better understand how many feet high is the Empire State Building, consider these comparisons.
| Object | Approximate Height |
|---|---|
| 10-story building | 100–120 ft |
| Football field | 300 ft |
| Statue of Liberty | 305 ft |
| Eiffel Tower | 1,083 ft |
| Empire State Building (Roof) | 1,250 ft |
| Empire State Building (Tip) | 1,454 ft |
The Empire State Building is approximately:
- 12 times taller than a typical 10-story building.
- Nearly five times taller than the Statue of Liberty.
- About 371 feet taller than the Eiffel Tower.
Feet to Meters Conversion
| Feet | Meters |
|---|---|
| 1,250 ft | 381 m |
| 1,454 ft | 443.2 m |
Interesting Facts About the Empire State Building
- It has 102 floors.
- More than 70 elevators serve the building.
- Millions of people visit every year.
- Its lights change colors to celebrate holidays and special events.
- It has appeared in hundreds of films, including King Kong.
Why Does Height Matter?
Knowing the building’s height helps with:
- School assignments
- Travel planning
- Architecture research
- Engineering studies
- General knowledge quizzes
It also helps compare famous landmarks around the world.
Common Misconceptions
The building is only 1,250 feet tall.
That’s true only for the roof. The complete structure, including the antenna, reaches 1,454 feet.
It is still the tallest building in the world.
No. Several buildings now exceed its height, but it remains one of the most iconic skyscrapers ever built.
The antenna counts as another floor.
No. The antenna is part of the structure but does not add usable floors.
Expert Tip
If you’re writing a report or article, mention both heights:
- Roof: 1,250 feet
- Total height including antenna: 1,454 feet
This provides the most accurate and complete answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many feet high is the Empire State Building?
The Empire State Building is 1,454 feet high including the antenna and 1,250 feet high to the roof.
How many floors does the Empire State Building have?
It has 102 floors.
Is the Empire State Building taller than the Eiffel Tower?
Yes. The Empire State Building is taller, reaching 1,454 feet, while the Eiffel Tower stands at approximately 1,083 feet.
Can visitors go to the top?
Yes. Visitors can access observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors.
Why are there two official heights?
One measurement is to the roof (1,250 feet), while the other includes the antenna (1,454 feet).
Conclusion
If you’re wondering how many feet high is the Empire State Building, the simplest answer is 1,454 feet (443.2 meters) from the ground to the tip of its antenna. The roof alone reaches 1,250 feet (381 meters). With 102 floors, breathtaking observation decks, and nearly a century of history, the Empire State Building remains one of the world’s greatest architectural landmarks. Whether you’re comparing skyscrapers, completing a school project, or planning a visit to New York City, knowing these measurements provides a clear understanding of this iconic structure.
