How Many Floors Is In The Empire State Building

So, the other day I’m at a party, right? Someone asks, “So, how many floors are in the Empire State Building?” I blurt out, “Um, 102?” But then this guy—total building nerd—says, “Actually, it’s way more complicated than that.” And I swear, my brain just went, Oh boy, here we go. He was right, though. It’s not a simple answer—and honestly, that’s why it’s so much fun to dig into.

The Official Answer (That Everyone Thinks They Know)

The Empire State Building has 102 floors—officially. That’s the number you’ll see on every brochure, website, and postcard. Even the building’s own website will tell you it’s 102 stories high.

But here’s the kicker: there’s also an 103rd floor. No, I’m not messing with you. It exists, but it’s strictly an observatory level, not a regular floor. It’s like the building’s secret rooftop party space, minus the party.

So, 102 or 103? Depends on who you ask—and whether they’ve had their coffee yet. (You’re probably already guessing where this is going.)

Wait, There’s More: The “Hidden” Floors

If you count the ground floor and the observation decks separately, you get a different number. Some sources say 102, others 103. But then you’ve got the basement levels—yep, plural. There are two basements down there, full of electrical stuff and maybe a few ghosts.

So now we’re at 105 total floors if you go from the bottom basement to the top observatory. But does a basement even count as a floor? I mean, technically, yes. But people don’t buy tickets to the “basement viewing deck,” do they? No.

Empire State Building observation decks – tickets, facilities, what to

And let’s not forget the spire. The spire at the top is 203 feet tall—but it’s not a floor. It’s just a giant metal lightning rod that makes the building look extra dramatic. (And yes, that spire is why the building was once the tallest in the world.)

Why So Much Confusion? (A Little History Lesson)

Here’s the thing: the Empire State Building was built in 1931. Back then, they didn’t have our modern “floor counting” rules. They just built floors wherever they felt like it, basically. The 102nd floor is the main observation deck, but there’s a 86th floor deck too. And between those? Ghost floors. Some are just mechanical rooms.

I remember reading that the 102nd floor was originally meant to be a “mooring mast” for blimps. Yes, blimps. Imagine tying a giant balloon to the top of the Empire State Building—while tourists are staring up from 86 floors below. That never happened, obviously. But it’s why that floor exists at all.

So the real answer is: it depends on whether you count the basement, the spire, and the blimp-ready top. (And whether you count the floor where they keep the air conditioning units, because nobody wants to live there.)

Empire State Building 600th Floor Empire State Building Exhibits

The Current Consensus (For Your Next Party)

Look, if you want to sound like a smart aleck at your next cocktail hour, say this: “The Empire State Building has 102 stories plus an observation deck at 103. And also two basement levels, so 105 total if you’re being pedantic.” But honestly? Most people just want the number 102 because it’s the one that fits in a tweet.

I’ve been up there, by the way. The 86th floor is windy as hell. You will lose your hat. The 102nd floor is enclosed, so you won’t freeze, but you will pay double for the view. Worth it? Only if you like seeing ants (cars) from a mile up.

So next time someone asks, “How many floors?” You can grin and say, “Well, it’s complicated.” And then drop this whole article on them like a pile of bricks. They’ll probably think you’re a genius. Or a building nerd. Either way, you’ll be the hero of the conversation.

Final answer: 102 officially, 103 with a secret, 105 if you’re a rebel. Choose your fighter.