This list includes extant buildings that fulfill the engineering definition of a tower: "a tall human structure, always taller than it is wide, for public or regular operational access by humans, but not for living in or office work, and which is self-supporting or free-standing, meaning no guy-wires for support." This definition excludes continuously habitable buildings and skyscrapers as well as radio and TV masts. Also excluded, because they are not designed for public or regular operational access, are bridge towers or pylons, wind turbines, chimneys, transmission towers, sculptures and most large statues and obelisks.
Towers are most often built to use their height for various purposes, and can stand alone or as part of a larger structure. Some common purposes are for telecommunications, and as a viewing platform.
The Tokyo Skytree, completed in 2009, is , making it the tallest tower in the world.
Entirely self-supported towers
Towers taller than 250 meters
Towers between 200 and 250 metres tall
Please read the list criteria in the introduction before adding any entry.
Towers between 150 and 200 metres tall
Please read the list criteria in the introduction before adding any entry.
Towers between 100 and 150 metres tall
Please read the list criteria in the introduction before adding any entry.
Towers proposed or under construction
This is a list of towers that are proposed or under construction with a minimum height of 250m