⚠️This fact has been debunked
The Titanic was 882 feet 9 inches long, while the Empire State Building is 1,250 feet tall to the roof (1,454 feet with antenna). If stood on end, the Titanic would only reach about 70% of the building's height. This is a commonly repeated myth that significantly understates the Empire State Building's impressive height.
The Titanic is about as long as the Empire State building is tall.
Is the Titanic as Long as the Empire State Building?
You've probably heard this one before: "The Titanic is about as long as the Empire State Building is tall." It's repeated in documentaries, trivia books, and casual conversation. There's just one problem—it's completely wrong.
The RMS Titanic measured 882 feet 9 inches from bow to stern. Impressive for 1912, absolutely. But the Empire State Building? It stands 1,250 feet tall to the roof, or 1,454 feet if you include the antenna. If you stood the Titanic on its end like some nautical skyscraper, it would only reach about 70% of the building's height.
Where Did This Myth Come From?
The comparison probably started because both structures were record-breakers. When the Titanic launched in 1911, it was the largest moving object ever built. When the Empire State Building opened in 1931, it became the world's tallest building. Someone likely thought "biggest ship, tallest building—close enough!" and the myth was born.
But here's the thing: the Empire State Building dominated the Titanic in terms of vertical height. We're talking about a difference of nearly 370 feet—that's a 37-story building worth of empty air between the ship's smokestacks and the building's roof.
The Real Numbers
- Titanic length: 882 feet 9 inches (269 meters)
- Empire State Building roof height: 1,250 feet (381 meters)
- Empire State Building total height: 1,454 feet (443 meters) with antenna
- Actual comparison: Titanic = 70% of ESB roof height
To put that in perspective, you'd need to add another 367 feet to the Titanic to match the building's roof—that's like stacking three more Statues of Liberty on top of the ship.
What About Other Buildings?
If you want a building that actually matches the Titanic's length, you're looking at something closer to a 60-70 story tower, not the 102-story Art Deco giant that is the Empire State Building. The Chrysler Building (1,046 feet) is still taller than the Titanic is long.
The Titanic was certainly massive for a ship—its 92-foot width and 46,000-ton weight made it a floating city. But when it comes to this specific comparison? The Empire State Building wins by a landslide. Or should we say, a ship-slide.