The Burj Khalifa stands 2,717 feet (828 meters) tall from the ground to the tip of its spire. It is currently the tallest building in the world, towering over Dubai’s skyline and attracting millions of visitors every year.
If you’ve ever wondered how many feet is the Burj Khalifa, this guide explains its height, how it compares to other famous landmarks, why it was built so tall, and other fascinating facts in simple terms.
Burj Khalifa Height in Feet
The official height of the Burj Khalifa is:
| Measurement | Height |
|---|---|
| Feet | 2,717 feet |
| Meters | 828 meters |
| Stories | 163 occupied floors |
| Total Levels | More than 200 (including mechanical levels) |
The building held the record for the world’s tallest structure when it opened in 2010 and continues to hold that title today.
Understanding How Tall 2,717 Feet Really Is
Most people have trouble imagining a height of 2,717 feet. Here are a few comparisons to help.
| Comparison | Approximate Height |
|---|---|
| Football fields stacked vertically | About 9 |
| Statue of Liberty | Around 9 Burj Khalifas would equal the height |
| Eiffel Tower | Burj Khalifa is nearly 3 times taller |
| Empire State Building | Burj Khalifa is almost twice as tall |
These comparisons show just how extraordinary the building’s height really is.
Why Was the Burj Khalifa Built So Tall?
The Burj Khalifa was designed to become a global landmark for Dubai. Its incredible height serves several purposes:
- Showcase modern engineering
- Create an international tourist attraction
- Support luxury homes and hotels
- Provide premium office space
- Symbolize economic growth and innovation
Today, it is one of the most recognizable buildings anywhere in the world.
How Many Floors Does the Burj Khalifa Have?
The Burj Khalifa features:
- 163 occupied floors
- More than 200 total levels
- Observation decks on multiple levels
- Residential apartments
- Corporate offices
- Restaurants
- Luxury hotel spaces
Not every level is open to the public because many are used for maintenance and building operations.
Burj Khalifa Height Compared With Famous Buildings
| Building | Height in Feet |
|---|---|
| Burj Khalifa | 2,717 ft |
| One World Trade Center | 1,776 ft |
| Empire State Building | 1,454 ft (including antenna) |
| Eiffel Tower | 1,083 ft |
| Willis Tower | 1,451 ft |
| Shanghai Tower | 2,073 ft |
The Burj Khalifa remains significantly taller than every other completed skyscraper.
Burj Khalifa Height Compared With Natural Landmarks
Here are a few interesting comparisons.
| Landmark | Height |
|---|---|
| Burj Khalifa | 2,717 ft |
| Niagara Falls | 167 ft |
| Great Pyramid of Giza | 481 ft |
| Washington Monument | 555 ft |
| Eiffel Tower | 1,083 ft |
Although mountains are much taller, among man-made buildings the Burj Khalifa is unmatched.
How Long Does It Take to Reach the Top?
The Burj Khalifa uses some of the fastest elevators in the world.
Typical elevator ride:
- About one minute to observation levels
- High-speed elevators travel approximately 22 miles (35 kilometers) per hour
- Smooth ride despite the extreme height
Visitors can reach the observation decks surprisingly quickly.
Observation Decks
Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from several levels.
Popular observation areas include:
- Level 124
- Level 125
- Level 148
From these heights, you can see much of Dubai, the surrounding desert, and even the Persian Gulf on clear days.
How Was the Burj Khalifa Built?
Constructing a building over half a mile tall required advanced engineering.
Key construction facts include:
- Construction began in 2004.
- Completed in 2010.
- More than 12,000 workers participated during peak construction.
- Reinforced concrete supports the lower structure.
- Steel was used extensively in the upper sections.
- The building has a Y-shaped floor plan for greater stability.
Its aerodynamic design also helps reduce wind forces.
Why Doesn’t the Burj Khalifa Sway Much?
Every tall building moves slightly.
Engineers reduced movement by using:
- A strong reinforced concrete core
- Buttressed core structural system
- Carefully designed setbacks
- Wind tunnel testing during planning
These features allow the tower to withstand strong winds while remaining comfortable for occupants.
Interesting Facts About the Burj Khalifa
Here are some fascinating facts.
- Height: 2,717 feet (828 meters)
- Tallest building on Earth
- Opened in January 2010
- More than 160 occupied floors
- Visible from many miles away
- Contains homes, offices, restaurants, and a luxury hotel
- Uses advanced cooling systems for Dubai’s hot climate
- Features one of the world’s highest observation decks
Burj Khalifa Height Conversion Chart
| Unit | Height |
|---|---|
| Feet | 2,717 |
| Meters | 828 |
| Inches | 32,604 |
| Yards | About 906 |
| Miles | About 0.515 |
Practical Examples of 2,717 Feet
To better understand this height:
- Nearly three Eiffel Towers stacked together.
- Around nine football fields placed vertically.
- More than half a mile high.
- Roughly equivalent to climbing over 160 stories.
These comparisons make the enormous height easier to imagine.
Is the Burj Khalifa Still the Tallest Building?
Yes.
As of today, the Burj Khalifa remains the tallest completed building in the world at 2,717 feet (828 meters).
Several future skyscraper projects have been announced, but none has officially surpassed it yet.
Why Tourists Visit the Burj Khalifa
Millions of visitors travel to Dubai specifically to experience the Burj Khalifa.
Popular attractions include:
- Observation decks
- Sunset city views
- Interactive exhibits
- Fine dining
- Luxury shopping nearby
- Spectacular Dubai Fountain shows
It has become one of the world’s most visited architectural landmarks.
Common Questions About the Burj Khalifa’s Height
Many people search for the building’s height because they want to compare it with famous landmarks or understand how large it truly is.
The answer is simple:
The Burj Khalifa is exactly 2,717 feet (828 meters) tall, making it the tallest completed building on Earth.
Expert Tips
When comparing skyscraper heights:
- Check whether the measurement includes the spire.
- Don’t confuse roof height with architectural height.
- Use official measurements from trusted architectural organizations.
- Compare buildings using the same measurement standard.
This ensures accurate comparisons.
Common Mistakes
People often make these mistakes:
- Confusing meters with feet.
- Believing the building has exactly 200 usable floors.
- Assuming antenna height is measured separately.
- Comparing roof height instead of official architectural height.
Knowing the official figures avoids confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many feet is the Burj Khalifa?
The Burj Khalifa is 2,717 feet (828 meters) tall.
How many floors does the Burj Khalifa have?
It has 163 occupied floors, with more than 200 total levels including mechanical areas.
Is the Burj Khalifa over half a mile tall?
Yes. At approximately 0.515 miles, it is slightly more than half a mile tall.
Can visitors go to the top?
Visitors can access observation decks on Levels 124, 125, and 148, but not the very top of the tower.
Is the Burj Khalifa still the tallest building in the world?
Yes. It continues to hold the title of the tallest completed building on Earth.
Conclusion
If you’re searching how many feet is the Burj Khalifa, the answer is straightforward: 2,717 feet (828 meters). Its incredible height, innovative engineering, and iconic design have made it one of the greatest architectural achievements in history. Whether you’re comparing skyscrapers, planning a trip to Dubai, or simply curious about world records, the Burj Khalifa remains an unmatched symbol of human ambition and engineering excellence.
