How Many Feet Is the Empire State Building?

If you are wondering how many feet is the Empire State Building, the answer depends on whether you measure the roof or the total height including the antenna.

The famous New York skyscraper stands:

$1,250\text{ feet}$ 1,250 feet

to the roof and:

$1,454\text{ feet}$ 1,454 feet

including the antenna.

The Empire State Building is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and remains a symbol of New York City and American engineering.

Understanding the building’s height helps put its massive scale into perspective and explains why it was once the tallest building on Earth.

In this guide, you will learn:

The exact height of the Empire State Building
Why different height measurements exist
Historical facts
Comparisons with other famous structures
Fun details about this iconic skyscraper

Quick Answer

The Empire State Building measures:

Measurement Type	Height
Roof height	1,250 feet
Height with antenna	1,454 feet

Roof Height

The official roof height is:

$1,250\text{ feet}$ 1,250 feet

This was the original measurement used when the building opened in 1931.

Total Height With Antenna

Including the antenna and spire, the total height is:

$1,454\text{ feet}$ 1,454 feet

This measurement includes broadcast equipment added later.

Empire State Building Height Explained

The building has multiple official height measurements.

Official Measurements

Architects and engineers often separate:

Roof height
Antenna height
Total structural height

Why Two Heights Exist

The original building ended at:

1,250 feet

Later, antennas and broadcast towers increased the total height.

Today, many skyscrapers use:

Roof height
Architectural height
Tip height

for different records and rankings.

History of the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building has a fascinating history.

Construction Timeline

Construction began in:

1930

The building officially opened in:

1931

Remarkably, the skyscraper was completed in just:

About 13 months

Record-Breaking Status

At completion, it became:

The tallest building in the world

It held that title for nearly:

40 years

until the completion of the World Trade Center towers in 1970.

How Tall Is the Empire State Building Compared to Other Buildings?

The Empire State Building remains one of the tallest and most famous skyscrapers in America.

One World Trade Center

One World Trade Center stands taller at:

$1,776\text{ feet}$ 1,776 feet

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower measures approximately:

$1,083\text{ feet}$ 1,083 feet

meaning the Empire State Building is taller.

Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building reaches:

$1,046\text{ feet}$ 1,046 feet

The Empire State Building surpassed it shortly after construction.

Empire State Building Dimensions and Facts

The building is impressive in more ways than height alone.

Number of Floors

The skyscraper contains:

$102\text{ floors}$ 102 floors

Observation Deck Height

The famous observatory sits high above Manhattan and offers panoramic city views.

Elevator Facts

The building includes:

Dozens of elevators
High-speed lift systems
Millions of yearly visitors

Why the Empire State Building Became Famous

Several factors contributed to its worldwide fame.

Art Deco Architecture

The building is one of the greatest examples of:

Art Deco design

Hollywood Appearances

The building became even more famous through movies like:

King Kong

New York City Symbol

Today, it remains one of the most iconic parts of the:

Manhattan skyline

Fun Facts About the Empire State Building

It Was Once the Tallest Building in the World

The skyscraper held the world record from:

1931 to 1970

Lightning Strikes the Building Often

The tower gets struck by lightning:

Multiple times each year

The Building Has Colored Lights

The tower lights change colors for:

Holidays
Sporting events
National celebrations

Visiting the Empire State Building

Millions of people visit the Empire State Building every year.

Observation Decks

Visitors can enjoy:

86th-floor observatory
102nd-floor observatory

Best Times to Visit

Popular times include:

Sunset
Evening skyline views
Holiday seasons

Tourist Experience

Visitors enjoy:

City views
Historical exhibits
Interactive displays

FAQs

How many feet tall is the Empire State Building?

The building is 1,250 feet tall to the roof and 1,454 feet including the antenna.

How many floors does the Empire State Building have?

The building has 102 floors.

Was the Empire State Building once the tallest building in the world?

Yes. It held the title from 1931 until 1970.

Is the Empire State Building taller than the Eiffel Tower?

Yes. The Empire State Building is taller than the Eiffel Tower.

Can tourists visit the Empire State Building?

Yes. The building has popular observation decks open to visitors.

Conclusion

So, how many feet is the Empire State Building? The famous skyscraper stands:

$1,250\text{ feet to the roof}$ 1,250 feet to the roof

and:

$1,454\text{ feet including the antenna}$ 1,454 feet including the antenna

The Empire State Building remains one of the world’s most famous skyscrapers and a lasting symbol of New York City. Its height, architecture, and cultural importance continue to attract millions of visitors and inspire architects around the world.