Burj Khalifa vs Willis (Sears) Tower: Height and Decks
Updated October 27, 2026
Verdict
The Burj Khalifa is about 386 m taller than the Willis (Sears) Tower: 828 m against 442 m to the Willis roof, or 1.9 times as tall. Even counting the Willis antennas (527 m), the Burj is 301 m higher. The Burj's standard deck on level 124, at 452 m, is 40 m above the Willis Skydeck at 412.4 m.
Chicago's Willis Tower was called the Sears Tower until 16 July 2009, and many people still search for it by that name. It opened in 1973 and was the tallest building in the world for about 25 years. Its roof is at 442 m (1,451 ft), and its antennas take it to 527 m at the tip, according to Wikipedia. The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is 828 m to its architectural top. So the Burj is about 386 m taller than the Willis Tower's roof, or 1.9 times its height. This page sets out the two heights, the records each held, and how the Willis Tower's Skydeck compares with the Burj Khalifa's At the Top. For the Burj's measurements in full, see how tall is the Burj Khalifa.
| Criterion | Burj Khalifa (Dubai) | Willis Tower, formerly Sears Tower (Chicago) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 828 m architectural (829.8 m tip) | 442 m (1,451 ft) roof; 527 m antenna tip |
| Floors | 163 | 108 by standard count (110 by the building's own) |
| Opened | 4 January 2010 | 1973 |
| Tallest in the world | Since 2010 | 1973 to 1998 |
| Main deck | Level 124 at 452 m | Skydeck, 103rd floor, at 412.4 m |
| Signature feature | Level 148 outdoor terrace at 555 m | The Ledge glass boxes, about 1.2 m out from the facade |
| Designer | Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (Adrian Smith) | Skidmore, Owings & Merrill |
Height
Wikipedia gives the Willis Tower a roof height of 442 m (1,451 ft). Two antennas brought its tip to 520.3 m in 1982 and 527 m after an extension in 2000. Tall-building rankings count architectural height, not antennas, so the figure to compare is 442 m. The Burj Khalifa measures 828 m to its architectural top. The difference is about 386 m; the ratio is 1.87. Counting the Willis antennas, the Burj is still about 301 m taller. Both towers came from the same Chicago firm, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, 37 years apart. The Burj's chief architect was Adrian Smith and its structural engineer Bill Baker. See how the Burj Khalifa was built.
Records
The Sears Tower opened in 1973 and passed the original World Trade Center's North Tower to become the tallest building in the world. It kept that title until 1998, when the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur took it, though Wikipedia notes that by some measures it held on until 2004. That makes nearly 25 years at the top. The Burj Khalifa has held the title since it opened on 4 January 2010. In 2009, the year the Burj topped out, the Chicago tower was renamed: Willis Group, a London insurance broker, leased space and took naming rights, and the Sears name came off on 16 July 2009. More context in the tallest buildings in the world.
Skydeck vs At the Top
The Willis Tower Skydeck is on the 103rd floor, about 412.4 m up. Since 2 July 2009 it has had The Ledge: glass boxes that stick out about 1.2 m from the facade, so you can stand over the street (Wikipedia). The Burj Khalifa's At the Top deck on level 124 is at 452 m, 40 m higher, with an open-air terrace and telescopes, according to its booking listing. On 27 October 2026 the levels 124 and 125 ticket started at $51 (AED 189, at 1 USD = 3.6725 AED). Level 148 at 555 m started at $109, with skip-the-line access, a guest ambassador and a lounge with snacks and hot drinks. Sunset slots cost more than these "from" prices.
Which deck to pick in Dubai
If the Skydeck is your reference, level 124 already beats it on height. Level 148 adds another 103 m and caps its deck at 50 people at a time, according to its listing; on GetYourGuide it is rated 4.6 on 24,553 reviews of that ticket, against 4.3 on 92,917 for levels 124 and 125. Both tickets have free cancellation up to 24 hours before your slot. If you want the shortest lines without the extra floor, the fast-track ticket starts at $69. Compare the two main options in Burj Khalifa 124 vs 148.
Frequently asked questions
How much taller is the Burj Khalifa than the Sears Tower?
About 386 m. The Burj Khalifa is 828 m; the Willis (Sears) Tower's roof is at 442 m. Including its antennas, the Willis Tower reaches 527 m, still 301 m lower.
Is the Sears Tower the same as the Willis Tower?
Yes. The Chicago tower was renamed the Willis Tower on 16 July 2009.
Which has the higher observation deck?
The Burj Khalifa. The Willis Skydeck is at 412.4 m; the Burj's level 124 is at 452 m and level 148 at 555 m.
How long was the Sears Tower the tallest building in the world?
From 1973 to 1998, nearly 25 years, when the Petronas Towers passed it.
Did the same firm design both?
Yes. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill designed the Sears (Willis) Tower and, decades later, the Burj Khalifa.
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