# World record progression 50 metres freestyle

The first world record in the men's 50 metres freestyle in long course (50 metres) swimming was recognized by the International Swimming Federation (FINA) in 1976. In short course (25 metres) swimming events the world's governing body recognizes world records since March 3, 1991.
The drop in world record times in 2008-2009 coincided with the introduction of polyurethane suits from Speedo (LZR, 50% polyurethane) in 2008 and by Arena (X-Glide), Adidas (Hydrofoil) and Italian swimming suit manufacturer Jaked (all 100% polyurethane) in 2009. FINA's ban on non-textile suit came into effect in January 2010. FINA also released a list of approved suits.

## Men
### Long course

| # | Time | | Name | Nationality | Date | Meet | Location |
| 1 | 23.86 | † | Jonty Skinner | South Africa | Aug 14, 1976 | AAU Nationals | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| 2 | 23.74 | | Joe Bottom | United States | Jul 3, 1977 | Canada Cup | Etobicoke, Canada |
| 3 | 23.72 | | Ron Manganiello | United States | Jul 29, 1978 | - | Miami, Florida, United States |
| 4 | 23.70 | | Klaus Steinbach | West Germany | Jul 23, 1979 | - | Freiburg, West Germany |
| 5 | 23.66 | | Chris Cavanaugh | United States | Feb 2, 1980 | International Invitational | Amersfoort, Netherlands |
| 6 | 23.12 | h | Chris Cavanaugh | United States | Apr 10, 1980 | USA Spring Nationals | Austin, Texas, United States |
| 7 | 22.96 | h | Rowdy Gaines | United States | Apr 10, 1980 | USA Spring Nationals | Austin, Texas, United States |
| 8 | 22.83 | h | Bruce Stahl | United States | Apr 10, 1980 | USA Spring Nationals | Austin, Texas, United States |
| 8 | 22.83 | =, h | Joe Bottom | United States | Aug 15, 1980 | Hawaiian Invitational | Honolulu, HI, United States |
| 9 | 22.71 | | Joe Bottom | United States | Aug 15, 1980 | Hawaiian Invitational | Honolulu, HI, United States |
| 10 | 22.54 | h | Robin Leamy | United States | Aug 15, 1981 | USA Nationals | Brown Deer, Wisconsin, United States |
| 11 | 22.52 | | Dano Halsall | Switzerland | Jul 21, 1985 | SUI Nationals | Bellinzona, Switzerland |
| 12 | 22.40 | | Tom Jager | United States | Dec 6, 1985 | USS Invitational | Austin, Texas, United States |
| 13 | 22.33 | | Matt Biondi | United States | Jun 26, 1986 | USA World Championship Trials | Orlando, Florida, United States |
| 13 | 22.33 | = | Matt Biondi | United States | Jul 30, 1987 | USA Nationals & Pan Pacific Trials | Clovis, California, United States |
| 14 | 22.32 | | Tom Jager | United States | Aug 13, 1987 | Pan Pacific Championships | Brisbane, Australia |
| 15 | 22.23 | | Tom Jager | United States | Mar 25, 1988 | USA Spring Nationals | Orlando, Florida, United States |
| - | 22.18 | | Peter Williams | South Africa | Apr 10, 1988 | CSCA Invitational | Indianapolis, Indiana, United States |
| 16 | 22.14 | | Matt Biondi | United States | Sep 24, 1988 | Olympic Games | Seoul, South Korea |
| 17 | 22.12 | | Tom Jager | United States | Aug 20, 1989 | Pan Pacific Championships | Tokyo, Japan |
| 18 | 21.98 | sf | Tom Jager | United States | Mar 24, 1990 | US Sprint | Nashville, Tennessee, United States |
| 19 | 21.81 | | Tom Jager | United States | Mar 24, 1990 | US Sprint | Nashville, Tennessee, United States |
| 20 | 21.64 | tt | Alexander Popov | Russia | Jun 16, 2000 | Russian Olympic Trials | Moscow, Russia |
| 21 | 21.56 | | Eamon Sullivan | Australia | Feb 17, 2008 | New South Wales State Championships | Sydney, Australia |
| 22 | 21.50 | sf | Alain Bernard | France | Mar 23, 2008 | European Championships | Eindhoven, Netherlands |
| 23 | 21.41 | sf | Eamon Sullivan | Australia | Mar 27, 2008 | Australian Championships & Olympic Trials | Sydney, Australia |
| 24 | 21.28 | | Eamon Sullivan | Australia | Mar 28, 2008 | Australian Championships & Olympic Trials | Sydney, Australia |
| 25 | 20.94 | | Frédérick Bousquet | France | Apr 26, 2009 | French Championships | Montpellier, France |
| 26 | 20.91 | | César Cielo | Brazil | Dec 18, 2009 | CBDA Open – Brazilian Championships | São Paulo, Brazil |

### Short course

| # | Time | | Name | Nationality | Date | Meet | Location |
| 1 | 21.76 | | Nils Rudolph | East Germany | 10 February 1990 | FINA World Cup | Bonn, West Germany |
| 2 | 21.64 | | Steve Crocker | United States | 21 March 1992 | - | Dallas, Texas, United States |
| 3 | 21.60 | | Mark Foster | Great Britain | 17 February 1993 | World Cup | Sheffield, United Kingdom |
| 4 | 21.50 | | Alexander Popov | Russia | 13 March 1994 | World Cup | Desenzano del Garda, Italy |
| 5 | 21.48 | h | Mark Foster | Great Britain | 13 December 1998 | European SC Championships | Sheffield, United Kingdom |
| 6 | 21.31 | | Mark Foster | Great Britain | 13 December 1998 | European SC Championships | Sheffield, United Kingdom |
| 6 | 21.31 | h | Roland Schoeman | South Africa | 23 March 2000 | NCAA Men's Division 1 Championships | Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States |
| 7 | 21.21 | | Anthony Ervin | United States | 23 March 2000 | NCAA Men's Division 1 Championships | Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States |
| 8 | 21.13 | | Mark Foster | Great Britain | 28 January 2001 | World Cup | Paris, France |
| 9 | 21.10 | | Frédérick Bousquet | France | 25 Mar 2004 | NCAA Men's Division 1 Championships | East Meadow, New York, United States |
| 10 | 20.98 | h | Roland Schoeman | South Africa | 12 Aug 2006 | Invitational | Hamburg, Germany |
| 11 | 20.93 | | Stefan Nystrand | Sweden | 18 November 2007 | World Cup | Berlin, Germany |
| 12 | 20.81 | | Duje Draganja | Croatia | 11 April 2008 | World SC Championships | Manchester, United Kingdom |
| 13 | 20.64 | | Roland Schoeman | South Africa | 7 September 2008 | South African SC Championships | Germiston, South Africa |
| 14 | 20.48 | | Amaury Leveaux | France | 11 December 2008 | European SC Championships | Rijeka, Croatia |
| 15 | 20.30 | | Roland Schoeman | South Africa | 8 August 2009 | South African SC Championships | Pietermaritzburg, South Africa |
| 16 | 20.26 | | Florent Manaudou | France | 5 December 2014 | World Championships | Doha, Qatar |
| 17 | 20.24 | | Caeleb Dressel | United States | 20 December 2019 | International Swimming League | Las Vegas, United States |
| 18 | 20.16 | | Caeleb Dressel | United States | 21 November 2020 | International Swimming League | Budapest, Hungary |
| 19 | 20.08 | h | Jordan Crooks | Cayman Islands | 14 December 2024 | World Championships | Budapest, Hungary |
| 20 | 19.90 | sf | Jordan Crooks | Cayman Islands | 14 December 2024 | World Championships | Budapest, Hungary |

## Women
### Long course

| # | Time | | Name | Nationality | Date | Meet | Location |
| 1 | 26.99 | r, † | Kornelia Ender | East Germany | Jul 26, 1975 | World Championships | Cali, Colombia |
| 2 | 26.95 | | Johanna Malloy | Canada | Aug 16, 1977 | Canada Summer Games | St. John's, NL, Canada |
| 3 | 26.74 | | Anne Jardin | Canada | Aug 19, 1978 | Canada Summer Nationals | Etobicoke, Canada |
| 4 | 26.61 | h | Cynthia Woodhead | United States | Apr 10, 1980 | USA Spring Nationals | Austin, Texas, United States |
| 5 | 26.53 | h | Kelly Asplund | United States | Apr 10, 1980 | USA Spring Nationals | Austin, Texas, United States |
| 6 | 26.32 | h | Jill Sterkel | United States | Apr 10, 1980 | USA Spring Nationals | Austin, Texas, United States |
| 7 | 25.96 | | Jill Sterkel | United States | Apr 10, 1980 | USA Spring Nationals | Austin, Texas, United States |
| 8 | 25.79 | tt | Jill Sterkel | United States | Apr 3, 1981 | Longhorn Invitational | Austin, Texas, United States |
| 9 | 25.69 | h | Dara Torres | United States | Jan 29, 1983 | Speedo International | Amersfoort, Netherlands |
| 10 | 25.64 | | Annemarie Verstappen | Netherlands | Jul 9, 1983 | NED Nationals | Amersfoort, Netherlands |
| 11 | 25.62 | | Dara Torres | United States | Aug 5, 1983 | USA Nationals | Clovis, California, United States |
| 12 | 25.61 | r | Dara Torres | United States | Jul 21, 1984 | Pre-Olympic meet | Mission Viejo, California, United States |
| 13 | 25.50 | h | Tamara Costache | Romania | Jul 16, 1986 | ROU Nationals & World Championship Trials | Bucharest, Romania |
| 14 | 25.34 | | Tamara Costache | Romania | Jul 16, 1986 | ROU Nationals & World Championship Trials | Bucharest, Romania |
| 15 | 25.31 | | Tamara Costache | Romania | Aug 1, 1986 | Balkan Games | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| 16 | 25.28 | | Tamara Costache | Romania | Aug 23, 1986 | World Championships | Madrid, Spain |
| 17 | 24.98 | | Yang Wenyi | China | Apr 11, 1988 | Asian Swimming Championships | Guangzhou, China |
| 18 | 24.79 | | Yang Wenyi | China | Jul 31, 1992 | Olympic Games | Barcelona, Spain |
| 19 | 24.51 | | Le Jingyi | China | Sep 11, 1994 | World Championships | Rome, Italy |
| 19 | 24.51 | =, h | Inge de Bruijn | Netherlands | May 26, 2000 | Super Speedo Grand Prix | Sheffield, United Kingdom |
| 20 | 24.48 | | Inge de Bruijn | Netherlands | Jun 4, 2000 | NED Olympic Trials | Drachten, Netherlands |
| 21 | 24.39 | | Inge de Bruijn | Netherlands | Jun 10, 2000 | Trofeu Jose Finkel & BRA Olympic Trials | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| 22 | 24.13 | sf | Inge de Bruijn | Netherlands | Sep 22, 2000 | Olympic Games | Sydney, Australia |
| 23 | 24.09 | | Marleen Veldhuis | Netherlands | Mar 24, 2008 | European Championships | Eindhoven, Netherlands |
| 24 | 23.97 | | Libby Trickett | Australia | Mar 29, 2008 | Australian Championships & Olympic Trials | Sydney, Australia |
| 25 | 23.96 | | Marleen Veldhuis | Netherlands | 19 Apr 2009 | Amsterdam Swim Cup | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| 26 | 23.73 | | Britta Steffen | Germany | 2 Aug 2009 | World Championships | Rome, Italy |
| 27 | 23.67 | sf | Sarah Sjöström | Sweden | 29 Jul 2017 | World Championships | Budapest, Hungary |
| 28 | 23.61 | sf | Sarah Sjöström | Sweden | 30 Jul 2023 | World Championships | Fukuoka, Japan |

### Short course

| # | Time | | Name | Nationality | Date | Meet | Location |
| 1 | 24.75 | | Franziska van Almsick | Germany | 4 November 1992 | - | Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany |
| 2 | 24.62 | h | Le Jingyi | China | 3 December 1993 | World Championships | Palma de Mallorca, Spain |
| 3 | 24.23 | | Le Jingyi | China | 3 December 1993 | World Championships | Palma de Mallorca, Spain |
| 4 | 24.09 | | Therese Alshammar | Sweden | 11 December 1999 | European Championships | Lisbon, Portugal |
| 5 | 23.59 | | Therese Alshammar | Sweden | 18 March 2000 | World Championships | Athens, Greece |
| 6 | 23.58 | | Marleen Veldhuis | Netherlands | 17 November 2007 | World Cup | Berlin, Germany |
| 7 | 23.25 | | Marleen Veldhuis | Netherlands | 13 April 2008 | World Championships | Manchester, United Kingdom |
| 8 | 23.24 | | Ranomi Kromowidjojo | Netherlands | 7 August 2013 | World Cup | Eindhoven, Netherlands |
| 8 | 23.24 | = | Ranomi Kromowidjojo | Netherlands | 12 December 2015 | Duel in the Pool | Indianapolis, United States |
| 9 | 23.10 | | Sarah Sjöström | Sweden | 2 August 2017 | World Cup | Moscow, Russia |
| 10 | 22.93 | | Ranomi Kromowidjojo | Netherlands | 7 August 2017 | World Cup | Berlin, Germany |
| 11 | 22.87 | sf | Gretchen Walsh | United States | 14 December 2024 | World Championships | Budapest, Hungary |
| 12 | 22.83 | | Gretchen Walsh | United States | 15 December 2024 | World Championships | Budapest, Hungary |

## All-time top 25
### Men long course

* Correct as of December 2024
| Pos | Time | Swimmer | Date | Venue |
| 1 | 20.91 | César Cielo (BRA) | 18 December 2009 | São Paulo |
| 2 | 20.94 | Frédérick Bousquet (FRA) | 26 April 2009 | Montpellier |
| 3 | 21.04 | Caeleb Dressel (USA) | 27 July 2019 | Gwangju |
| 3 | 21.04 | Caeleb Dressel (USA) | 20 June 2021 | Omaha |
| 4 | 21.06 | Cameron McEvoy (AUS) | 29 July 2023 | Fukuoka |
| 5 | 21.11 | Benjamin Proud (GBR) | 8 August 2018 | Glasgow |
| 6 | 21.19 | Ashley Callus (AUS) | 26 November 2009 | Canberra |
| 6 | 21.19 | Florent Manaudou (FRA) | 8 August 2015 | Kazan |
| 8 | 21.20 | George Bovell (TTO) | 31 July 2009 | Rome |
| 9 | 21.23 | Alain Bernard (FRA) | 26 April 2009 | Montpellier |
| 10 | 21.25 | Amaury Leveaux (FRA) | 1 August 2009 | Rome |
| 11 | 21.27 | Bruno Fratus (BRA) | 29 July 2017 | Budapest |
| 11 | 21.27 | Vladimir Morozov (RUS) | 15 August 2019 | Singapore |
| 13 | 21.28 | Eamon Sullivan (AUS) | 22 March 2008 | Sydney |
| 14 | 21.29 | Duje Draganja (CRO) | 31 July 2009 | Rome |
| 15 | 21.37 | Nathan Adrian (USA) | 7 August 2015 | Kazan |
| 15 | 21.37 | Andrea Vergani (ITA) | 8 August 2018 | Glasgow |
| 17 | 21.38 | Vladyslav Bukhov (UKR) | 16 February 2024 | Doha |
| 18 | 21.40 | Cullen Jones (USA) | 31 July 2009 | Rome |
| 18 | 21.40 | Anthony Ervin (USA) | 12 August 2016 | Rio de Janeiro |
| 20 | 21.41 | Michael Andrew (USA) | 25 June 2022 | Budapest |
| 21 | 21.42 | Krisztián Takács (HUN) | 31 July 2009 | Rome |
| 22 | 21.44 | Kristian Gkolomeev (GRE) | 9 August 2018 | Glasgow |
| 23 | 21.45 | Stefan Nystrand (SWE) | 31 July 2009 | Rome |
| 23 | 21.45 | Paweł Juraszek (POL) | 24 May 2018 | Łódź |
| 25 | 21.46 | Andriy Govorov (UKR) | 11 August 2016 | Rio de Janeiro |

#### Notes

Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 21.46:
* César Cielo also swam 21.02 (2009), 21.08 (2009), 21.14 (2009), 21.30 (2008), 21.32 (2013), 21.33 (2009), 21.34 (2008), 21.35 (2009), 21.37 (2009), 21.38 (2012), 21.39 (2014).
* Caeleb Dressel also swam 21.07 (2021), 21.15 (2017), 21.18 (2019), 21.29 (2017, 2021, 2022), 21.32 (2021), 21.41 (2024), 21.42 (2021).
* Cameron McEvoy also swam 21.13 (2024), 21.23 (2024), 21.25 (2023, 2024), 21.27 (2023), 21.32 (2024), 21.35 (2023, 2024), 21.38 (2024), 21.41 (2023), 21.43 (2024), 21.44 (2016), 21.45 (2024).
* Benjamin Proud also swam 21.16 (2018), 21.25 (2024), 21.30 (2018, 2024), 21.32 (2017, 2022), 21.34 (2018), 21.35 (2018), 21.36 (2022), 21.38 (2024), 21.40 (2022), 21.42 (2021, 2022), 21.43 (2017), 21.45 (2018).
* Frédérick Bousquet also swam 21.17 (2009), 21.21 (2009, 2009), 21.33 (2009), 21.36 (2009, 2010), 21.44 (2009).
* Ashley Callus also swam 21.24 (2009).
* Bruno Fratus also swam 21.31 (2019), 21.35 (2018), 21.37 (2015), 21.41 (2014), 21.42 (2019), 21.44 (2014), 21.45 (2014, 2014, 2019).
* Florent Manaudou also swam 21.32 (2014, 2016), 21.34 (2012), 21.37 (2013), 21.41 (2015, 2016), 21.42 (2016).
* Amaury Leveaux also swam 21.32 (2009), 21.38 (2008), 21.45 (2008), 21.46 (2008).
* Duje Draganja also swam 21.38 (2009).
* Vladimir Morozov also swam 21.41 (2021), 21.44 (2017, 2018), 21.45 (2017), 21.46 (2017).
* Eamon Sullivan also swam 21.41 (2008).
* Cullen Jones also swam 21.41 (2009).
* Anthony Ervin also swam 21.42 (2013), 21.46 (2016).
* Vladyslav Bukhov also swam 21.44 (2024).
* Michael Andrew also swam 21.45 (2022), 21.46 (2018).
* Kristian Gkolomeev also swam 21.45 (2019).
* Nathan Adrian also swam 21.46 (2009).

### Men short course

* Correct as of December 2024
| Pos | Time | Swimmer | Date | Venue |
| 1 | 19.90 | Jordan Crooks (CAY) | 14 December 2024 | Budapest |
| 2 | 20.16 | Caeleb Dressel (USA) | 21 November 2020 | Budapest |
| 3 | 20.18 | Ben Proud (GBR) | 7 December 2023 | Otopeni |
| 4 | 20.26 | Florent Manaudou (FRA) | 5 December 2014 | Doha |
| 5 | 20.30 | Roland Schoeman (RSA) | 8 August 2009 | South Africa |
| 6 | 20.31 | Vladimir Morozov (RUS) | 15 December 2017 | Herning |
| 7 | 20.48 | Amaury Leveaux (FRA) | 11 December 2008 | Rijeka |
| 8 | 20.51 | César Cielo (BRA) | 17 December 2010 | Dubai |
| 8 | 20.51 | Jack Alexy (USA) | 14 December 2024 | Budapest |
| 10 | 20.53 | Frederick Bousquet (FRA) | 10 December 2009 | Istanbul |
| 11 | 20.57 | Guilherme Caribé (BRA) | 15 December 2024 | Budapest |
| 12 | 20.63 | Nyls Korstanje (NED) | 14 December 2024 | Budapest |
| 13 | 20.64 | Alain Bernard (FRA) | 14 December 2008 | Rijeka |
| 14 | 20.68 | Maxim Lobanovskij (HUN) | 14 December 2019 | Budapest |
| 14 | 20.68 | Kyle Chalmers (AUS) | 28 October 2021 | Kazan |
| 16 | 20.69 | Marco Orsi (ITA) | 5 December 2014 | Doha |
| 17 | 20.70 | Stefan Nystrand (SWE) | 15 November 2009 | Berlin |
| 17 | 20.70 | Duje Draganja (CRO) | 10 December 2009 | Istanbul |
| 17 | 20.70 | Evgeny Sedov (RUS) | 6 December 2014 | Doha |
| 17 | 20.70 | Ryan Held (USA) | 19 December 2021 | Abu Dhabi |
| 17 | 20.70 | Dylan Carter (TTO) | 16 December 2022 | Melbourne |
| 22 | 20.72 | Szebasztián Szabó (HUN) | 4 November 2021 | Kazan |
| 22 | 20.72 | Chris Guiliano (USA) | 14 December 2024 | Budapest |
| 24 | 20.73 | Steffen Deibler (GER) | 15 November 2009 | Berlin |
| 25 | 20.74 | Nicholas Santos (BRA) | 15 December 2009 | Berlin |

#### Notes

Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 20.74:
* Jordan Crooks also swam 20.08 (2024), 20.19 (2024), 20.31 (2022), 20.36 (2022), 20.46 (2022).
* Caeleb Dressel also swam 20.24 (2019), 20.28 (2020), 20.43 (2018), 20.51 (2018), 20.52 (2020), 20.54 (2018), 20.62 (2018), 20.65 (2020), 20.67 (2021), 20.69 (2020).
* Vladimir Morozov also swam 20.33 (2018), 20.39 (2018), 20.40 (2019), 20.45 (2017), 20.48 (2018), 20.49 (2018), 20.51 (2018), 20.55 (2012), 20.59 (2013), 20.61 (2017), 20.66 (2013, 2013), 20.68 (2019), 20.69 (2018), 20.70 (2013), 20.72 (2013, 2017), 20.73 (2016, 2019).
* Ben Proud also swam 20.40 (2021), 20.45 (2021), 20.49 (2022), 20.56 (2023), 20.64 (2021), 20.66 (2017, 2023, 2023), 20.70 (2017), 20.71 (2018), 20.74 (2015).
* Florent Manaudou also swam 20.51 (2014), 20.55 (2020), 20.57 (2019), 20.60 (2020), 20.62 (2013, 2013), 20.63 (2020, 2020), 20.64 (2019), 20.66 (2019), 20.69 (2019), 20.70 (2012), 20.74 (2023).
* Amaury Leveaux also swam 20.53 (2009), 20.56 (2009), 20.63 (2008), 20.73 (2009).
* Roland Schoeman also swam 20.57 (2009), 20.64 (2008), 20.69 (2009).
* César Cielo also swam 20.59 (2012), 20.61 (2010), 20.68 (2014), 20.72 (2014).
* Guilherme Caribé also swam 20.59 (2024).
* Jack Alexy also swam 20.61 (2024), 20.69 (2024).
* Frederick Bousquet also swam 20.64 (2009), 20.69 (2008).
* Duje Draganja also swam 20.71 (2009).
* Evgeny Sedov also swam 20.71 (2015).
* Dylan Carter also swam 20.72 (2022, 2022).
* Ryan Held also swam 20.72 (2021).
* Nyls Korstanje also swam 20.72 (2024).
* Kyle Chalmers also swam 20.74 (2019).
* Szebasztián Szabó also swam 20.74 (2023).

### Women long course

* Correct as of December 2024
| Pos | Time | Swimmer | Date | Venue |
| 1 | 23.61 | Sarah Sjöström (SWE) | 29 July 2023 | Fukuoka |
| 2 | 23.73 | Britta Steffen (GER) | 2 August 2009 | Rome |
| 3 | 23.75 | Pernille Blume (DEN) | 4 August 2018 | Glasgow |
| 4 | 23.78 | Cate Campbell (AUS) | 7 April 2018 | Gold Coast |
| 5 | 23.81 | Emma McKeon (AUS) | 1 August 2021 | Tokyo |
| 6 | 23.85 | Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED) | 30 July 2017 | Budapest |
| 7 | 23.88 | Therese Alshammar (SWE) | 2 August 2009 | Rome |
| 8 | 23.91 | Kate Douglass (USA) | 18 February 2024 | Doha |
| 9 | 23.95 | Katarzyna Wasick (POL) | 18 February 2024 | Doha |
| 10 | 23.96 | Marleen Veldhuis (NED) | 16 April 2009 | Amsterdam |
| 10 | 23.96 | Fran Halsall (GBR) | 24 July 2014 | Glasgow |
| 12 | 23.97 | Libby Trickett (AUS) | 22 March 2008 | Sydney |
| 12 | 23.97 | Simone Manuel (USA) | 30 July 2017 | Budapest |
| 12 | 23.97 | Liu Xiang (CHN) | 26 September 2021 | Xi'an |
| 12 | 23.97 | Meg Harris (AUS) | 4 August 2024 | Paris |
| 16 | 23.99 | Shayna Jack (AUS) | 15 June 2024 | Brisbane |
| 17 | 24.00 | Abbey Weitzeil (USA) | 1 July 2023 | Indianapolis |
| 18 | 24.06 | Gretchen Walsh (USA) | 22 June 2024 | Indianapolis |
| 19 | 24.07 | Dara Torres (USA) | 17 August 2008 | Beijing |
| 20 | 24.09 | Torri Huske (USA) | 22 June 2024 | Indianapolis |
| 21 | 24.11 | Aliaksandra Herasimenia (BLR) | 13 August 2016 | Rio de Janeiro |
| 22 | 24.12 | Bronte Campbell (AUS) | 9 August 2015 | Kazan |
| 23 | 24.13 | Inge de Bruijn (NED) | 22 September 2000 | Sydney |
| 24 | 24.15 | Zhang Yufei (CHN) | 30 July 2023 | Fukuoka |
| 25 | 24.17 | Claire Curzan (USA) | 14 May 2021 | Cary |

#### Notes

Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 24.17:
* Sarah Sjöström also swam 23.62 (2023), 23.66 (2024), 23.67 (2017), 23.69 (2017, 2024), 23.71 (2024), 23.74 (2018), 23.75 (2024), 23.78 (2019), 23.82 (2023), 23.83 (2017, 2018), 23.84 (2024), 23.85 (2017, 2017, 2024), 23.87 (2017, 2024), 23.90 (2023, 2024), 23.91 (2019, 2022, 2024, 2024), 23.92 (2018, 2023), 23.93 (2023, 2023), 23.95 (2017, 2023), 23.96 (2017, 2018), 23.97 (2019, 2023), 23.98 (2014, 2022), 23.99 (2018), 24.01 (2017, 2017), 24.02 (2023), 24.03 (2023), 24.05 (2019), 24.06 (2022, 2024), 24.07 (2019, 2021), 24.08 (2017, 2018, 2022), 24.10 (2023), 24.11 (2019, 2019, 2022, 2022), 24.13 (2017, 2021), 24.14 (2018, 2018, 2020), 24.15 (2014, 2022), 24.17 (2016).
* Cate Campbell also swam 23.79 (2018), 23.81 (2018), 23.84 (2016), 23.88 (2018), 23.93 (2016), 23.94 (2021), 23.96 (2014), 23.99 (2009), 24.00 (2014, 2019), 24.02 (2019), 24.03 (2015), 24.04 (2016, 2021), 24.05 (2019), 24.08 (2009, 2019), 24.09 (2019), 24.10 (2023), 24.11 (2019, 2019, 2021, 2023), 24.12 (2015, 2018), 24.13 (2008, 2014, 2017), 24.14 (2013), 24.15 (2016, 2018, 2021), 24.16 (2019), 24.17 (2008, 2008, 2014).
* Pernille Blume also swam 23.85 (2018), 23.92 (2018), 23.98 (2018), 24.00 (2017), 24.05 (2017, 2018), 24.06 (2021), 24.07 (2016), 24.08 (2019, 2021), 24.09 (2019), 24.12 (2019, 2021), 24.13 (2017), 24.14 (2017, 2019), 24.15 (2017), 24.17 (2021, 2021).
* Emma McKeon also swam 23.93 (2021), 23.99 (2022), 24.00 (2021), 24.02 (2021), 24.17 (2021).
* Ranomi Kromowidjojo also swam 23.97 (2021), 24.05 (2012, 2013), 24.07 (2012, 2016), 24.10 (2012), 24.11 (2021), 24.14 (2012, 2021).
* Marleen Veldhuis also swam 23.99 (2009), 24.09 (2008).
* Shayna Jack also swam 24.01 (2023), 24.02 (2023, 2024), 24.09 (2023), 24.10 (2023), 24.14 (2022).
* Katarzyna Wasick also swam 24.01 (2024), 24.11 (2022), 24.17 (2021, 2022).
* Liu Xiang also swam 24.03 (2020), 24.04 (2017, 2020).
* Simone Manuel also swam 24.05 (2019), 24.09 (2016), 24.10 (2018), 24.12 (2017), 24.13 (2024).
* Britta Steffen also swam 24.06 (2008).
* Fran Halsall also swam 24.11 (2009), 24.13 (2012, 2016), 24.14 (2014).
* Therese Alshammar also swam 24.14 (2011), 24.17 (2009).
* Gretchen Walsh also swam 24.15 (2024), 24.17 (2024).
* Libby Trickett also swam 24.15 (2009).
* Bronte Campbell also swam 24.17 (2019).

### Women short course

* Correct as of December 2024
| Pos | Time | Swimmer | Date | Venue |
| 1 | 22.83 | Gretchen Walsh (USA) | 15 December 2024 | Budapest |
| 2 | 22.93 | Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED) | 7 August 2017 | Berlin |
| 3 | 23.00 | Sarah Sjöström (SWE) | 7 August 2017 | Berlin |
| 4 | 23.04 | Emma McKeon (AUS) | 17 December 2022 | Melbourne |
| 5 | 23.05 | Kate Douglass (USA) | 15 December 2024 | Budapest |
| 6 | 23.10 | Katarzyna Wasick (POL) | 3 November 2022 | Indianapolis |
| 7 | 23.19 | Cate Campbell (AUS) | 27 October 2017 | Adelaide |
| 8 | 23.25 | Marleen Veldhuis (NED) | 13 April 2008 | Manchester |
| 9 | 23.27 | Therese Alshammar (SWE) | 21 November 2009 | Singapore |
| 10 | 23.32 | Hinkelien Schreuder (NED) | 13 December 2009 | Istanbul |
| 11 | 23.34 | Maria Kameneva (RUS) | 16 December 2022 | Saint Petersburg |
| 12 | 23.44 | Fran Halsall (GBR) | 19 December 2009 | Great Britain |
| 12 | 23.44 | Abbey Weitzeil (USA) | 18 September 2021 | Naples |
| 14 | 23.49 | Jeanette Ottesen (DEN) | 12 December 2015 | United States |
| 14 | 23.49 | Pernille Blume (DEN) | 17 December 2017 | Denmark |
| 16 | 23.52 | Michelle Coleman (SWE) | 6 December 2023 | Ostopeni |
| 17 | 23.53 | Inge Dekker (NED) | 11 December 2009 | Istanbul |
| 18 | 23.61 | Mélanie Henique (FRA) | 10 November 2020 | Budapest |
| 19 | 23.62 | Bronte Campbell (AUS) | 7 December 2014 | Doha |
| 20 | 23.64 | Aliaksandra Herasimenia (BLR) | 16 December 2012 | Istanbul |
| 20 | 23.64 | Rozaliya Nasretdinova (RUS) | 21 November 2017 | Russia |
| 22 | 23.66 | Béryl Gastaldello (FRA) | 15 November 2020 | Budapest |
| 22 | 23.66 | Eva Okaro (GBR) | 15 December 2024 | Budapest |
| 24 | 23.67 | Femke Heemskerk (NED) | 4 October 2018 | Budapest |
| 24 | 23.67 | Femke Heemskerk (NED) | 16 December 2018 | China |
| 25 | 23.68 | Anna Hopkin (GBR) | 17 December 2022 | Melbourne |
| 25 | 23.68 | Silvia Di Pietro (ITA) | 14 December 2024 | Budapest |

#### Notes

Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 23.68:
* Gretchen Walsh also swam 22.87 (2024), 23.02 (2024), 23.10 (2024).
* Ranomi Kromowidjojo also swam 23.05 (2020), 23.19 (2018), 23.23 (2018), 23.24 (2013, 2015), 23.26 (2018), 23.29 (2017, 2019), 23.31 (2017, 2021), 23.32 (2014, 2017), 23.36 (2013), 23.37 (2010, 2020), 23.39 (2017), 23.40 (2018), 23.41 (2020), 23.42 (2017), 23.43 (2014), 23.46 (2018, 2021), 23.47 (2017), 23.48 (2013, 2018), 23.50 (2018), 23.53 (2017), 23.54 (2021), 23.55 (2015, 2020), 23.56 (2015), 23.57 (2013), 23.58 (2009, 2010), 23.59 (2020), 23.60 (2016, 2018), 23.61 (2011), 23.62 (2009), 23.64 (2014, 2020), 23.66 (2017, 2020), 23.67 (2016).
* Sarah Sjöström also swam 23.08 (2021, 2021), 23.10 (2017), 23.12 (2021, 2021), 23.17 (2021), 23.21 (2018), 23.22 (2017), 23.26 (2018), 23.27 (2021), 23.28 (2017), 23.30 (2017, 2021), 23.31 (2021), 23.32 (2021, 2021), 23.33 (2021), 23.34 (2017), 23.35 (2021), 23.36 (2018), 23.37 (2021), 23.39 (2017), 23.40 (2017), 23.41 (2020), 23.42 (2017, 2020), 23.43 (2019, 2020), 23.46 (2024), 23.47 (2021), 23.48 (2018, 2020), 23.50 (2021, 2021), 23.51 (2017, 2019), 23.52 (2018, 2019), 23.53 (2021), 23.54 (2018), 23.55 (2014, 2020), 23.59 (2018, 2024), 23.62 (2018), 23.63 (2015), 23.66 (2019), 23.67 (2018).
* Kate Douglass also swam 23.20 (2024), 23.35 (2024).
* Katarzyna Wasick also swam 23.23 (2024), 23.27 (2022), 23.30 (2020), 23.32 (2022), 23.37 (2022, 2024), 23.38 (2021), 23.40 (2021, 2021, 2021), 23.41 (2021), 23.42 (2021), 23.43 (2020), 23.46 (2021, 2024), 23.47 (2020), 23.49 (2020, 2021, 2021), 23.51 (2024), 23.55 (2022), 23.57 (2022), 23.62 (2021), 23.63 (2021), 23.64 (2021, 2024), 23.68 (2021).
* Cate Campbell also swam 23.33 (2019), 23.35 (2019), 23.45 (2019), 23.46 (2019), 23.47 (2013), 23.48 (2019), 23.62 (2017), 23.64 (2015), 23.65 (2013), 23.67 (2017), 23.68 (2020).
* Therese Alshammar also swam 23.34 (2009), 23.59 (2000), 23.64 (2009), 23.67 (2011).
* Maria Kameneva also swam 23.35 (2022), 23.48 (2021), 23.55 (2019), 23.56 (2021), 23.59 (2021), 23.65 (2022).
* Marleen Veldhuis also swam 23.43 (2011), 23.55 (2008), 23.58 (2007).
* Abbey Weitzeil also swam 23.45 (2020), 23.57 (2020), 23.58 (2021), 23.59 (2021), 23.62 (2022), 23.63 (2021, 2021), 23.67 (2021).
* Hinkelien Schreuder also swam 23.46 (2009), 23.53 (2009), 23.60 (2009), 23.64 (2009).
* Emma McKeon also swam 23.50 (2021), 23.51 (2022), 23.53 (2021), 23.54 (2021), 23.56 (2021), 23.60 (2021), 23.61 (2022), 23.65 (2021).
* Jeanette Ottesen also swam 23.58 (2016).
* Michelle Coleman also swam 23.59 (2019).
* Pernille Blume also swam 23.62 (2017), 23.67 (2018).
* Mélanie Henique also swam 23.66 (2019).