# World record progression 400 metres freestyle

This short description is INTENTIONALLY "none" &#x2D; please see WP:SDNONE before you consider changing it!
The first world record in the men's 400 metres freestyle in long course (50 metres) swimming was recognised by the International Swimming Federation (FINA) in 1908. In the short course (25 metres) swimming events the world's governing body recognizes world records since 3 March 1991.

## Men
### Long course

| # | Time | Swimmer | Date | # of days with record | Event | Location | |
| 011 | 5:36.85:36.8 | Taylor, Henry Henry Taylor | 16 Jul 1908 | 1162 | 1908 Summer Olympics | London, United Kingdom | ? |
| 022 | 5:35.85:35.8 | Battersby, Sydney Sydney Battersby | 21 Sep 1911 | 213 | Local Meet (Kentish Town) | London, United Kingdom | |
| 033 | 5:29.05:29.0 | Kenyery, Alajos Alajos Kenyery | 21 Apr 1912 | 213 | ? | Magdeburg, Germany | ? |
| 044 | 5:28.45:28.4 | Las-Torres, Béla Béla Las-Torres | 5 Jun 1912 | 45 | ? | Budapest, Hungary | ? |
| 055 | 5:24.45:24.4 | Hodgson, George George Hodgson | 14 Jul 1912 | 39 | 1912 Summer Olympics | Stockholm, Sweden | ? |
| 066 | 5:21.65:21.6 | Hatfield, Jack Jack Hatfield | 26 Sep 1912 | 2579 | Local Meet (Shoreditch) | London, United Kingdom | |
| 077 | 5:14.65:14.6 | Ross, Norman Norman Ross | 9 Oct 1919 | 717 | ? | Los Angeles, USA | ? |
| 088 | 5:14.45:14.4 | Ross, Norman Norman Ross | 25 Sep 1921 | 196 | ? | Brighton Beach, USA | |
| 099 | 5:11.85:11.8 | Borg, Arne Arne Borg | 9 Apr 1922 | 74 | Local Meet | Stockholm, Sweden | |
| 1010 | 5:06.65:06.6 | Weissmuller, Johnny Johnny Weissmuller | 22 Jun 1922 | 257 | ? | Honolulu, USA | ? |
| 1111 | 4:57.04:57.0 | Weissmuller, Johnny Johnny Weissmuller | 6 Mar 1923 | 644 | ? | New Haven, USA | ? |
| 1212 | 4:54.74:54.7 | Borg, Arne Arne Borg | 9 Dec 1924 | 276 | Local Meet | Stockholm, Sweden | |
| 1313 | 4:50.34:50.3 | Borg, Arne Arne Borg | 11 Sep 1925 | 2043 | Local Meet | Stockholm, Sweden | |
| 1414 | 4:47.04:47.0 | Taris, Jean Jean Taris | 16 Apr 1931 | 851 | Local Meet | Paris, France | |
| 1515 | 4:46.44:46.4 | Makino, Shozo Shozo Makino | 14 Aug 1933 | 381 | ? | Tokyo, Japan | ? |
| 1616 | 4:38.74:38.7 | Medica, Jack Jack Medica | 30 Aug 1934 | 2448 | ? | Honolulu, USA | ? |
| 1717 | 4:38.54:38.5 | Smith, Bill Bill Smith | 13 May 1941 | 2313 | ? | Honolulu, USA | ? |
| 1818 | 4:35.24:35.2 | Jany, Alex Alex Jany | 12 Sep 1947 | 681 | 1947 European Aquatics Championships | Monte Carlo, Monaco | |
| 1919 | 4:34.64:34.6 | Furuhashi, Hironoshin Hironoshin Furuhashi | 24 Jul 1949 | 25 | Local Meet | Tokyo, Japan | |
| 2020 | 4:33.34:33.3 | Furuhashi, Hironoshin Hironoshin Furuhashi | 18 Aug 1949 | 205 | 1949 US National Championships | Los Angeles, USA | |
| 2121 | 4:33.14:33.1 | Marshall, John John Marshall | 11 Mar 1950 | 21 | Intercollegiate Event | New Haven, USA | |
| 2222 | 4:29.54:29.5 | Marshall, John John Marshall | 1 Apr 1950 | 357 | 46th US National AAU Indoor Championships | New Haven, USA | |
| 2323 | 4:26.94:26.9 | Marshall, John John Marshall | 24 Mar 1951 | 1106 | Sanctioned Time Trial | New Haven, USA | |
| 2424 | 4:26.74:26.7 | Konno, Ford Ford Konno | 3 Apr 1954 | 938 | Intercollegiate Event | New Haven, USA | |
| 2625 | 4:27.04:27.0 | Rose, Murray Murray Rose | 27 Oct 1956 | 77 | Australian Olympic Trials | Melbourne, Australia | |
| 2526 | 4:25.94:25.9* | Rose, Murray Murray Rose | 12 Jan 1957 | 368 | NSW Championships | Sydney, Australia | |
| 2727 | 4:25.94:25.9 | Konrads, John John Konrads | 15 Jan 1958 | 362 | NSW Championships | Sydney, Australia | |
| 2828 | 4:21.84:21.8 | Konrads, John John Konrads | 12 Jan 1959 | 26 | Australian Swimming Championships | Melbourne, Australia | |
| 2929 | 4:19.04:19.0 | Konrads, John John Konrads | 7 Feb 1959 | 169 | International Swim Meet | Sydney, Australia | |
| 3030 | 4:16.64:16.6 | Yamanaka, Tsuyoshi Tsuyoshi Yamanaka | 26 Jul 1959 | 212 | 5th Japan-USA Water Competition | Osaka, Japan | |
| 3131 | 4:15.94:15.9 | Konrads, John John Konrads | 23 Feb 1960 | 906 | Australian Swimming Championships | Sydney, Australia | |
| 3232 | 4:13.44:13.4 | Rose, Murray Murray Rose | 17 Aug 1962 | 714 | International Invitational Meet | Chicago, USA | |
| 3333 | 4:12.74:12.7 | Schollander, Don Don Schollander | 31 Jul 1964 | 76 | USA Summer Nationals | Los Altos, USA | |
| 3434 | 4:12.24:12.2 | Schollander, Don Don Schollander | 15 Oct 1964 | 672 | 1964 Summer Olympics | Tokyo, Japan | ? |
| 3535 | 4:11.84:11.8 | Nelson, John John Nelson | 18 Aug 1966 | 0 | 1966 AAU Swimming and Diving Championships | Lincoln, USA | |
| 3636 | 4:11.64:11.6 | Schollander, Don Don Schollander | 18 Aug 1966 | 7 | 1966 National Championships | Lincoln, USA | |
| 3737 | 4:11.14:11.1 | Wiegand, Frank Frank Wiegand | 25 Aug 1966 | 304 | 1966 European Aquatics Championships | Utrecht, The Netherlands | |
| 3838 | 4:10.64:10.6 | Spitz, Mark Mark Spitz | 25 Jun 1967 | 7 | Local Event | Haywood, USA | |
| 3938= | 4:09.24:10.6 | Mosconi, Alain Alain Mosconi | 2 Jul 1967 | 2 | Local Event | Monte Carlo, Monaco | |
| 3939 | 4:09.24:09.2 | Mosconi, Alain Alain Mosconi | 4 Jul 1967 | 3 | Local Event | Monte Carlo, Monaco | |
| 4040 | 4:08.84:08.8 | Spitz, Mark Mark Spitz | 7 Jul 1967 | 52 | Santa Clara International Invitation Swim Meet | Santa Clara, USA | |
| 4141 | 4:08.24:08.2 | Charlton, Greg Greg Charlton | 28 Aug 1967 | 300 | 1967 Summer Universiade | Tokyo, Japan | |
| 4242 | 4:07.74:07.7 | Spitz, Mark Mark Spitz | 23 Jun 1968 | 39 | 16th Annual Swimming Relays | Haywood, USA | ? |
| 4343 | 4:06.54:06.5 | Hutton, Ralph Ralph Hutton | 1 Aug 1968 | 378 | AAU National Swimming Championships | Lincoln, USA | ? |
| 4444 | 4:04.04:04.0 | Fassnacht, Hans-Joachim Hans-Joachim Fassnacht | 14 Aug 1969 | 371 | AAU National Swimming Championships | Louisville, USA | ? |
| 4545 | 4:02.84:02.8 | Kinsella, John John Kinsella | 20 Aug 1970 | 18 | AAU National Swimming Championships (elec. 4:02.81) | Los Angeles, USA | ? |
| 4646 | 4:02.64:02.6 | Larsson, Gunnar Gunnar Larsson | 7 Sep 1970 | 352 | European Swimming Championships | Barcelona, Spain | ? |
| 4747 | 4:02.14:02.1 | McBreen, Tom Tom McBreen | 25 Aug 1971 | 171 | AAU Nationals (elec. 4:02.08) | Houston, USA | ? |
| 4848 | 4:01.74:01.7 | Cooper, Brad Brad Cooper | 12 Feb 1972 | 174 | AUS Nationals & Olympic Trials | Brisbane, Australia | ? |
| 4949 | 4:00.114:00.11 | Krumpholz, Kurt Kurt Krumpholz | 4 Aug 1972 | 401 | USA Olympic Trials | Chicago, USA | ? |
| 5050 | 3:58.183:58.18 | DeMont, Rick Rick DeMont | 9 Sep 1973 | 347 | FINA World Championships | Belgrade, SFR Yugoslavia | ? |
| 5151 | 3:56.963:56.96 | Shaw, Tim Tim Shaw | 22 Aug 1974 | 0 | AAU National Swimming Championships | Concord, USA | |
| 5252 | 3:54.693:54.69 | Shaw, Tim Tim Shaw | 22 Aug 1974 | 301 | AAU National Swimming Championships | Concord, USA | |
| 5353 | 3:53.953:53.95 | Shaw, Tim Tim Shaw | 19 Jun 1975 | 62 | USA World Championship Trials | Long Beach, USA | ? |
| 5454 | 3:53.313:53.31 | Shaw, Tim Tim Shaw | 20 Aug 1975 | 303 | AAU National Swimming Championships | Kansas City, USA | ? |
| 5555 | 3:53.083:53.08 | Goodell, Brian Brian Goodell | 18 Jun 1976 | 34 | USA Olympic Trials | Long Beach, USA | |
| 5656 | 3:51.933:51.93 | Goodell, Brian Brian Goodell | 22 Jul 1976 | 401 | 1976 Summer Olympics | Montreal, Canada | ? |
| 5757 | 3:51.563:51.56 | Goodell, Brian Brian Goodell | 27 Aug 1977 | 587 | USAvGDR Dual Meet | West Berlin | ? |
| 5858 | 3:51.413:51.41 | Salnikov, Vladimir Vladimir Salnikov | 6 Apr 1979 | 135 | URSvGDR Junior meet | Potsdam, East Germany | ? |
| 5959 | 3:51.403:51.40 | Salnikov, Vladimir Vladimir Salnikov | 19 Aug 1979 | 194 | URSvCAN Duel | Moscow, Soviet Union | ? |
| 6060 | 3:51.203:51.20 | Salnikov, Vladimir Vladimir Salnikov | 29 Feb 1980 | 138 | URS Winter Nationals | Potsdam, East Germany | ? |
| 6161 | 3:50.493:50.49 | Szmidt, Peter Peter Szmidt | 16 Jul 1980 | 604 | Canadian Nationals & Olympic Trials (Esso Cup) | Etobicoke, Canada | |
| 6262 | 3:49.573:49.57 | Salnikov, Vladimir Vladimir Salnikov | 12 Mar 1982 | 124 | URSvGDR Duel | Moscow, Soviet Union | ? |
| 6262= | 3:49.573:49.57 | Salnikov, Vladimir Vladimir Salnikov | 14 Jul 1982 | 220 | URS Nationals | Kiev, Soviet Union | ? |
| 6363 | 3:48.323:48.32 | Salnikov, Vladimir Vladimir Salnikov | 19 Feb 1983 | 859 | URS Winter Nationals | Moscow, Soviet Union | ? |
| 6464 | 3:47.803:47.80 | Gross, Michael Michael Gross | 27 Jun 1985 | 1002 | FRG Nationals & European Championship Trials | Wuppertal, West Germany | ? |
| 6565 | 3:47.383:47.38 | Wojdat, Artur Artur Wojdat | 25 Mar 1988 | 182 | USA Spring Nationals | Orlando, USA | |
| 6666 | 3:46.953:46.95 | Dassler, Uwe Uwe Dassler | 23 Sep 1988 | 1288 | 1988 Summer Olympics | Seoul, South Korea | ? |
| 6767 | 3:46.473:46.47 | Perkins, Kieren Kieren Perkins | 3 Apr 1992 | 117 | Australian Olympic Trials | Canberra, Australia | ? |
| 6868 | 3:45.003:45.00 | Sadovyi, Yevgeny Yevgeny Sadovyi | 29 Jul 1992 | 774 | 1992 Summer Olympics | Barcelona, Spain | ? |
| 6969 | 3:43.803:43.80 | Perkins, Kieren Kieren Perkins | 5 Sep 1994 | 1806 | 1994 World Championships | Rome, Italy | ? |
| 7070 | 3:41.833:41.83 | Thorpe, Ian Ian Thorpe | 22 Aug 1999 | 265 | 1999 Pan Pacific Championships | Sydney, Australia | ? |
| 7171 | 3:41.333:41.33 | Thorpe, Ian Ian Thorpe | 13 May 2000 | 126 | Australian Olympic Trials | Sydney, Australia | ? |
| 7272 | 3:40.593:40.59 | Thorpe, Ian Ian Thorpe | 16 Sep 2000 | 309 | 2000 Summer Olympics | Sydney, Australia | |
| 7373 | 3:40.173:40.17 | Thorpe, Ian Ian Thorpe | 22 Jul 2001 | 373 | 2001 World Championships | Fukuoka, Japan | |
| 7474 | 3:40.083:40.08 | Thorpe, Ian Ian Thorpe | 30 Jul 2002 | 2553 | 2002 Commonwealth Games | Manchester, United Kingdom | ? |
| 7575 | 3:40.073:40.07ss | Biedermann, Paul Paul Biedermann | 26 Jul 2009 | 5,714 | 2009 World Aquatics Championships | Rome, Italy | |
* Murray Rose's 4:25.9 set in a 25-metre pool on 12 Jan 1957 was only valid until 1 May the same year. Due to the new rule that records must be set in a 50-metre pool, and the fact that neither John Marshall's 4:26.9 from 1951, nor Ford Konno's 4:26.7 from 1954 were set in 50-metre pools, the WR reverted to Rose's 4:27.0 from 1956.
* Paul Biedermann's 3:40.07 set at the 2009 World Aquatics Championships was swum utilising the Arena X-Glide suit. A style of suit that was introduced in 2008 and banned by FINA in January 2010.

### Short course

| # | Time | Swimmer | Date | Event | Location | |
| 011 | 3:40.463:41.74 | Lamberti, Giorgio Giorgio Lamberti | 13 Feb 1988 | German Invitational | Bonn, West Germany | ? |
| 012 | 3:40.463:40.81 | Holmertz, Anders Anders Holmertz | 4 Feb 1990 | Paris Open, FINA Swimming World Cup | Paris, France | ? |
| 013 | 3:40.463:40.46 | Loader, Danyon Danyon Loader | 11 Feb 1995 | World Cup | Sheffield, United Kingdom | ? |
| 024 | 3:39.823:39.82 | Thorpe, Ian Ian Thorpe | 25 Sep 1998 | AUS SC Nationals | Perth, WA, Australia | ? |
| 035 | 3:35.013:35.01 | Hackett, Grant Grant Hackett | 2 Apr 1999 | World SC Championships | Hong Kong | ? |
| 046 | 3:34.583:34.58 | Hackett, Grant Grant Hackett | 18 Jul 2002 | Grand Prix | Sydney, Australia | ? |
| 057 | 3:34.583:32.77 | Biedermann, Paul Paul Biedermann | 14 Nov 2009 | World Cup | Berlin, Germany | |
| 068 | 3:32.773:32.25 | Agnel, Yannick Yannick Agnel | 15 Nov 2012 | French Nationals | Angers, France | |

## Women
### Long course

| # | TIME | SWIMMER | DATE | EVENT | PLACE | |
| 011 | 6:30.26:30.2 | Bleibtrey, Ethelda Ethelda Bleibtrey | 16 Aug 1919 | ? | New York City | ? |
| 022 | 6:16.66:16.6 | James, Hilda Hilda James | 29 Jul 1921 | ? | Leeds, United Kingdom | ? |
| 033 | 5:53.25:53.2 | Ederle, Gertrude Gertrude Ederle | 4 Aug 1922 | ? | Indianapolis, USA | ? |
| 044 | 5:51.45:51.4 | Norelius, Martha Martha Norelius | 23 Jan 1927 | ? | Coral Gables, USA | ? |
| 055 | 5:49.65:49.6 | Norelius, Martha Martha Norelius | 30 Jun 1928 | ? | New York City | ? |
| 066 | 5:42.85:42.8 | Norelius, Martha Martha Norelius | 6 Aug 1928 | Olympic Games | Amsterdam, The Netherlands | ? |
| 077 | 5:39.25:39.2 | Norelius, Martha Martha Norelius | 27 Aug 1928 | ? | Vienna, Austria | ? |
| 088 | 5:31.05:31.0 | Madison, Helene Helene Madison | 3 Feb 1931 | ? | Seattle, USA | ? |
| 099 | 5:28.55:28.5 | Madison, Helene Helene Madison | 13 Aug 1932 | ? | Los Angeles, USA | ? |
| 1010 | 5:16.05:16.0 | den Ouden, Willy Willy den Ouden | 12 Jul 1934 | ? | Rotterdam, The Netherlands | ? |
| 1111 | 5:14.25:14.2 | Hveger, Ragnhild Ragnhild Hveger | 10 Feb 1937 | ? | Copenhagen, Denmark | ? |
| 1212 | 5:14.05:14.0 | Hveger, Ragnhild Ragnhild Hveger | 3 Oct 1937 | ? | Ghent, Belgium | ? |
| 1313 | 5:12.45:12.4 | Hveger, Ragnhild Ragnhild Hveger | 14 Nov 1937 | ? | Magdeburg, Germany | ? |
| 1414 | 5:11.05:11.0 | Hveger, Ragnhild Ragnhild Hveger | 12 Dec 1937 | ? | Copenhagen, Denmark | ? |
| 1515 | 5:08.25:08.2 | Hveger, Ragnhild Ragnhild Hveger | 16 Jan 1938 | ? | Copenhagen, Denmark | ? |
| 1616 | 5:06.15:06.1 | Hveger, Ragnhild Ragnhild Hveger | 1 Aug 1938 | ? | Copenhagen, Denmark | ? |
| 1717 | 5:05.45:05.4 | Hveger, Ragnhild Ragnhild Hveger | 8 Sep 1940 | ? | Svendborg, Denmark | ? |
| 1818 | 5:00.15:00.1 | Hveger, Ragnhild Ragnhild Hveger | 15 Sep 1940 | ? | Copenhagen, Denmark | ? |
| 1919 | 4:50.84:50.8 | Crapp, Lorraine Lorraine Crapp | 25 Aug 1956 | ? | Townsville, Australia | ? |
| 2020 | 4:47.24:47.2 | Crapp, Lorraine Lorraine Crapp | 20 Oct 1956 | ? | Sydney, Australia | ? |
| 2121 | 4:45.44:45.4 | Konrads, Ilsa Ilsa Konrads | 9 Jan 1960 | ? | Sydney, Australia | ? |
| 2222 | 4:44.54:44.5 | von Saltza, Chris Chris von Saltza | 5 Aug 1960 | USA Olympic Trials | Detroit, USA | |
| 2323 | 4:42.04:42.0 | Ramenofsky, Marilyn Marilyn Ramenofsky | 11 Jul 1964 | ? | Los Altos, USA | ? |
| 2424 | 4:41.74:41.7 | Ramenofsky, Marilyn Marilyn Ramenofsky | 1 Aug 1964 | USA Summer Nationals | Los Altos, USA | |
| 2525 | 4:39.54:39.5 | Ramenofsky, Marilyn Marilyn Ramenofsky | 31 Aug 1964 | ? | New York City | ? |
| 2626 | 4:39.24:39.2 | Randall, Martha Martha Randall | 14 Aug 1965 | ? | Maumee, USA | ? |
| 2727 | 4:38.04:38.0 | Randall, Martha Martha Randall | 26 Aug 1965 | ? | Monaco, Monaco | ? |
| 2828 | 4:36.84:36.8 | Kruse, Pam Pam Kruse | 30 Jun 1967 | ? | Fort Lauderdale, USA | ? |
| 2929 | 4:36.44:36.4 | Kruse, Pam Pam Kruse | 7 Jul 1967 | Santa Clara International | Santa Clara, USA | |
| 3030 | 4:32.64:32.6 | Meyer, Debbie Debbie Meyer | 27 Jul 1967 | Pan American Games | Winnipeg, Canada | ? |
| 3131 | 4:29.04:29.0 | Meyer, Debbie Debbie Meyer | 18 Aug 1967 | USA Nationals | Philadelphia, USA | ? |
| 3232 | 4:26.74:26.7 | Meyer, Debbie Debbie Meyer | 1 Aug 1968 | USA Nationals | Lincoln, USA | ? |
| 3333 | 4:24.54:24.5 | Meyer, Debbie Debbie Meyer | 25 Aug 1968 | USA Olympic Trials (elec. 4:24.55) | Los Angeles, USA | |
| 3434 | 4:24.34:24.3 | Meyer, Debbie Debbie Meyer | 20 Aug 1970 | USA Nationals (elec. 4:24.24) | Los Angeles, USA | ? |
| 3535 | 4:22.64:22.6 | Moras, Karen Karen Moras | 30 Apr 1971 | Coca-Cola International | London, United Kingdom | ? |
| 3636 | 4:21.24:21.2 | Gould, Shane Shane Gould | 9 Jul 1971 | Santa Clara Invitational | Santa Clara, USA | ? |
| 3737 | 4:19.044:19.04 | Gould, Shane Shane Gould | 30 Aug 1972 | Olympic Games | Munich, West Germany | ? |
| 3838 | 4:18.074:18.07 | Rothhammer, Keena Keena Rothhammer | 22 Aug 1973 | USA Nationals | Louisville, USA | ? |
| 3939 | 4:17.334:17.33 | Greenwood, Heather Heather Greenwood | 28 Jun 1974 | Santa Clara Invitational | Santa Clara, USA | ? |
| 4040 | 4:15.774:15.77 | Babashoff, Shirley Shirley Babashoff | 22 Aug 1974 | USA Nationals | Concord, USA | ? |
| 4141 | 4:14.764:14.76 | Babashoff, Shirley Shirley Babashoff | 20 Jun 1975 | USA World Championships Trials | Long Beach, USA | ? |
| 4242 | 4:11.694:11.69 | Krause, Barbara Barbara Krause | 3 Jun 1976 | GDR Olympic Trials | East Berlin, East Germany | ? |
| 4343 | 4:09.894:09.89 | Thümer, Petra Petra Thümer | 20 Jul 1976 | Olympic Games | Montreal, Canada | ? |
| 4444 | 4:08.914:08.91 | Thümer, Petra Petra Thümer | 17 Aug 1977 | European Championships | Jönköping, Sweden | ? |
| 4545 | 4:07.664:07.66 | Linehan, Kim Kim Linehan | 2 Aug 1978 | USA Summer Nationals | The Woodlands, USA | |
| 4646 | 4:06.284:06.28 | Wickham, Tracey Tracey Wickham | 24 Aug 1978 | World Championships | West Berlin | ? |
| 4747 | 4:05.454:05.45 | Evans, Janet Janet Evans | 20 Dec 1987 | US Open | Orlando, USA | ? |
| 4848 | 4:03.854:03.85 | Evans, Janet Janet Evans | 22 Sep 1988 | Olympic Games | Seoul, South Korea | ? |
| 4949 | 4:03.034:03.03 | Manaudou, Laure Laure Manaudou | 12 May 2006 | French Championships | Tours, France | ? |
| 5050 | 4:02.134:02.13 | Manaudou, Laure Laure Manaudou | 6 Aug 2006 | European Championships | Budapest, Hungary | ? |
| 5151 | 4:01.534:01.53 | Pellegrini, Federica Federica Pellegrini | 24 Mar 2008 | European Championships | Eindhoven, Netherlands | ? |
| 5252 | 4:00.664:00.66 | Jackson, Joanne Joanne Jackson | 16 Mar 2009 | British Championships | Sheffield, United Kingdom | |
| 5353 | 4:00.414:00.41 | Pellegrini, Federica Federica Pellegrini | 27 Jun 2009 | Mediterranean Games | Pescara, Italy | |
| 5454 | 3:59.153:59.15 | Pellegrini, Federica Federica Pellegrini | 26 Jul 2009 | World Championships | Rome, Italy | |
| 5555 | 3:58.863:58.86 | Ledecky, Katie Katie Ledecky | 9 Aug 2014 | USA Championships | Irvine, United States | |
| 5656 | 3:58.373:58.37 | Ledecky, Katie Katie Ledecky | 23 Aug 2014 | Pan Pacific Championships | Gold Coast, Australia | |
| 5757 | 3:56.463:56.46 | Ledecky, Katie Katie Ledecky | 7 Aug 2016 | Olympic Games | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | |
| 5858 | 3:56.403:56.40 | Titmus, Ariarne Ariarne Titmus | 22 May 2022 | Australian Championships | Adelaide, Australia | |
| 5959 | 3:56.083:56.08 | McIntosh, Summer Summer McIntosh | 28 March 2023 | Canadian Trials | Toronto, Canada | |
| 6060 | 3:55.383:55.38 | Titmus, Ariarne Ariarne Titmus | 23 July 2023 | World Championships | Fukuoka, Japan | |

### Short course

| # | TIME | SWIMMER | DATE | # of days with record | EVENT | PLACE |
| 011 | 4:02.594:02.59 | Woodhead, Cynthia Cynthia Woodhead | Apr 1979 | 2870 | ? | Austin, Texas, USA |
| 012 | 4:02.054:02.05 | Strauss, Astrid Astrid Strauss | 8 Feb 1987 | 3722 | Bonn Arena Festival | Bonn, West Germany |
| 023 | 4:00.034:00.03 | Poll, Claudia Claudia Poll | 18 Apr 1997 | 2109 | World Championships | Gothenburg, Sweden |
| 034 | 3.59.533:59.53 | Benko, Lindsay Lindsay Benko | 26 Jan 2003 | 1049 | World Cup | Berlin, Germany |
| 045 | 3.56.793:56.79 | Manaudou, Laure Laure Manaudou | 10 Dec 2005 | 364 | European Championships | Trieste, Italy |
| 056 | 3.56.093:56.09 | Manaudou, Laure Laure Manaudou | 9 Dec 2006 | 973 | European Championships | Helsinki, Finland |
| 067 | 3.54.923:54.92 | Jackson, Joanne Joanne Jackson | 8 Aug 2009 | 1204 | British Grand Prix | Leeds, UK |
| 078 | 3:54.85 3:54.85 | Muffat, Camille Camille Muffat | 24 Nov 2012 | 260 | European Championships | Chartres, France |
| 089 | 3:54.52 3:54.52 | Belmonte, Mireia Mireia Belmonte | 11 Aug 2013 | 1880 | World Cup | Berlin, Germany |
| 0910 | 3:53.97 3:53.97 | Jianjiahe, Wang Wang Jianjiahe | 4 Oct 2018 | 71 | World Cup | Budapest, Hungary |
| 11 | 3:53.92 | Ariarne Titmus | 14 Dec 2018 | 1413 | World Championships | Hangzhou, China |
| 12 | 3:51.30 | Li Bingjie | 27 Oct 2022 | 775 | Chinese Championships | Beijing, China |
| 13 | 3:50.25 | Summer McIntosh | 10 Dec 2024 | 98 | World Championships | Budapest, Hungary |

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

* Correct as of December 2024
| Pos | Time | Swimmer | Date | Venue |
| 1 | 3:40.07 | Paul Biedermann (GER) | 26 July 2009 | Rome |
| 2 | 3:40.08 | Ian Thorpe (AUS) | 30 July 2002 | Manchester |
| 3 | 3:40.14 | Sun Yang (CHN) | 28 July 2012 | London |
| 4 | 3:40.33 | Lukas Märtens (GER) | 25 April 2024 | Berlin |
| 5 | 3:40.68 | Samuel Short (AUS) | 23 July 2023 | Fukuoka |
| 6 | 3:40.70 | Ahmed Hafnaoui (TUN) | 23 July 2023 | Fukuoka |
| 7 | 3:41.11 | Oussama Mellouli (TUN) | 26 July 2009 | Rome |
| 8 | 3:41.22 | Elijah Winnington (AUS) | 18 June 2022 | Budapest |
| 9 | 3:41.35 | Zhang Lin (CHN) | 26 July 2009 | Rome |
| 10 | 3:41.53 | Park Tae-hwan (KOR) | 13 November 2010 | Guangzhou |
| 11 | 3:41.55 | Mack Horton (AUS) | 6 August 2016 | Rio de Janeiro |
| 12 | 3:42.42 | Kim Woo-min (KOR) | 1 June 2024 | Monte Carlo |
| 13 | 3:42.51 | Grant Hackett (AUS) | 22 July 2001 | Fukuoka |
| 14 | 3:42.76 | Guilherme Costa (BRA) | 27 July 2024 | Paris |
| 15 | 3:42.78 | Larsen Jensen (USA) | 10 August 2008 | Beijing |
| 16 | 3:42.81 | Oliver Klemet (GER) | 19 April 2024 | Magdeburg |
| 17 | 3:43.11 | Peter Vanderkaay (USA) | 10 August 2008 | Beijing |
| 18 | 3:43.23 | Gabriele Detti (ITA) | 21 July 2019 | Gwangju |
| 19 | 3:43.24 | Felix Auböck (AUT) | 23 June 2024 | Belgrade |
| 20 | 3:43.27 | Jack McLoughlin (AUS) | 12 June 2021 | Adelaide |
| 21 | 3:43.36 | Danas Rapsys (LTU) | 12 May 2019 | Budapest |
| 22 | 3:43.40 | Massimiliano Rosolino (ITA) | 16 September 2000 | Sydney |
| 23 | 3:43.42 | Conor Dwyer (USA) | 6 August 2016 | Rio de Janeiro |
| 24 | 3:43.45 | Nikita Lobintsev (RUS) | 9 August 2008 | Beijing |
| 25 | 3:43.46 | Ryan Cochrane (CAN) | 24 July 2014 | Glasgow |

#### Notes

Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 3:43.46:
* Ian Thorpe also swam 3:40.17 (2001), 3:40.54 (2002), 3:40.59 (2000), 3:40.76 (2001), 3:41.33 (2000), 3:41.71 (2001), 3:41.83 (1999), 3:42.41 (2003), 3:42.58 (2003), 3:43.10 (2004).
* Sun Yang also swam 3:40.29 (2011), 3:41.38 (2017), 3:41.48 (2011), 3:41.59 (2013), 3:41.68 (2016), 3:41.94 (2017), 3:42.16 (2017), 3:42.31 (2012), 3:42.44 (2019), 3:42.47 (2010), 3:42.49 (2012), 3:42.58 (2015), 3:42.70 (2015), 3:42.75 (2019), 3:42.89 (2012), 3:42.92 (2018), 3:42.93 (2013), 3:43.23 (2014), 3:43.24 (2011).
* Elijah Winnington also swam 3:41.41 (2024), 3:42.21 (2024), 3:42.65 (2021), 3:42.86 (2024), 3:43.06 (2022), 3:43.10 (2022), 3:43.26 (2024).
* Lukas Märtens also swam 3:41.60 (2022), 3:41.78 (2024), 3:41.98 (2024), 3:42.20 (2023), 3:42.50 (2022), 3:42.85 (2022), 3:42.96 (2024), 3:43.32 (2023).
* Samuel Short also swam 3:41.64 (2024), 3:42.44 (2023), 3:42.46 (2023), 3:42.64 (2024). 3:43.38 (2023).
* Mack Horton also swam 3:41.65 (2016), 3:42.84 (2015), 3:43.17 (2019).
* Park Tae-hwan also swam 3:41.86 (2008), 3:42.04 (2011), 3:42.06 (2012), 3:43.15 (2014), 3:43.35 (2008).
* Zhang Lin also swam 3:42.44 (2008), 3:42.63 (2009), 3:43.32 (2008).
* Kim Woo-min also swam 3:42.50 (2024), 3:42.71 (2024).
* Oussama Mellouli also swam 3:42.71 (2009), 3:43.45 (2008).
* Grant Hackett also swam 3:42.91 (2005), 3:42.94 (2003), 3:43.15 (2008), 3:43.35 (2004), 3:43.36 (2004).
* Paul Biedermann also swam 3:43.01 (2009).
* Larsen Jensen also swam 3:43.10 (2008).
* Peter Vanderkaay also swam 3:43.20 (2009).
* Guilherme Costa also swam 3:43.31 (2022).
* Gabriele Detti also swam 3:43.36 (2017, 2019).
* Ahmed Hafnaoui also swam 3:43.36 (2021).

### Men short course

* Correct as of December 2024
| Pos | Time | Swimmer | Date | Venue |
| 1 | 3:32.25 | Yannick Agnel (FRA) | 15 November 2012 | France |
| 2 | 3:32.77 | Paul Biedermann (GER) | 14 November 2009 | Berlin |
| 3 | 3:33.20 | Danas Rapšys (LTU) | 4 December 2019 | Great Britain |
| 4 | 3:34.32 | Péter Bernek (HUN) | 5 December 2014 | Doha |
| 5 | 3:34.38 | Kieran Smith (USA) | 15 December 2022 | Melbourne |
| 6 | 3:34.46 | Duncan Scott (GBR) | 31 October 2024 | Singapore |
| 7 | 3:34.58 | Grant Hackett (AUS) | 18 July 2002 | Australia |
| 8 | 3:34.59 | Park Tae-hwan (KOR) | 6 December 2016 | Windsor |
| 9 | 3:34.63 | Ian Thorpe (AUS) | 21 January 2003 | Sweden |
| 10 | 3:34.66 | Zhang Lin (CHN) | 22 February 2009 | Tokyo |
| 11 | 3:34.81 | Peter Vanderkaay (USA) | 22 February 2009 | Tokyo |
| 12 | 3:35.05 | Thomas Neill (AUS) | 15 December 2022 | Melbourne |
| 13 | 3:35.30 | Aleksandr Krasnykh (RUS) | 13 December 2017 | Herning |
| 14 | 3:35.47 | Daniel Wiffen (IRL) | 5 December 2023 | Otopeni |
| 15 | 3:35.67 | Luke Hobson (USA) | 26 August 2022 | Sydney |
| 16 | 3:35.75 | Nikita Lobintsev (RUS) | 10 December 2009 | Istanbul |
| 17 | 3:35.89 | Elijah Winnington (AUS) | 12 December 2024 | Budapest |
| 18 | 3:35.90 | Felix Auböck (AUT) | 16 December 2021 | Abu Dhabi |
| 19 | 3:36.30 | Matthew Sates (RSA) | 21 October 2022 | Berlin |
| 20 | 3:36.31 | Carson Foster (USA) | 12 December 2024 | Budapest |
| 21 | 3:36.35 | James Guy (GBR) | 5 December 2014 | Doha |
| 22 | 3:36.43 | Pan Zhanle (CHN) | 24 October 2024 | Incheon |
| 23 | 3:36.56 | Thomas Dean (GBR) | 21 November 2020 | Budapest |
| 24 | 3:36.63 | Gabriele Detti (ITA) | 7 April 2019 | Italy |
| 25 | 3:36.64 | Henrik Christiansen (NOR) | 11 December 2018 | Hangzhou |

#### Notes

Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 3:36.64:
* Danas Rapšys also swam 3:34.01 (2018), 3:35.49 (2020), 3:36.23 (2021), 3:36.26 (2022).
* Paul Biedermann also swam 3:34.55 (2009), 3:35.96 (2015).
* Grant Hackett also swam 3:35.01 (1999), 3:36.17 (2002).
* Péter Bernek also swam 3:35.46 (2015).
* Aleksandr Krasnykh also swam 3:35.51 (2017).
* Ian Thorpe also swam 3:35.64 (1999), 3:35.75 (2000).
* Kieran Smith also swam 3:35.99 (2022), 3:36.31 (2024).

### Women long course

* Correct as of December 2024
| Pos | Time | Swimmer | Date | Venue |
| 1 | 3:55.38 | Ariarne Titmus (AUS) | 23 July 2023 | Fukuoka |
| 2 | 3:56.08 | Summer McIntosh (CAN) | 28 March 2023 | Toronto |
| 3 | 3:56.46 | Katie Ledecky (USA) | 7 August 2016 | Rio de Janeiro |
| 4 | 3:59.15 | Federica Pellegrini (ITA) | 26 July 2009 | Rome |
| 5 | 3:59.44 | Erika Fairweather (NZL) | 11 February 2024 | Doha |
| 6 | 4:00.60 | Joanne Jackson (GBR) | 26 July 2009 | Rome |
| 7 | 4:00.65 | Leah Smith (USA) | 27 June 2016 | Omaha |
| 8 | 4:00.79 | Rebecca Adlington (GBR) | 26 July 2009 | Rome |
| 9 | 4:01.08 | Li Bingjie (CHN) | 25 July 2021 | Tokyo |
| 9 | 4:01.08 | Li Bingjie (CHN) | 3 May 2023 | Hangzhou |
| 10 | 4:01.13 | Camille Muffat (FRA) | 18 March 2012 | Dunkirk |
| 11 | 4:01.23 | Jazmin Carlin (GBR) | 7 August 2016 | Rio de Janeiro |
| 12 | 4:01.31 | Ajna Késely (HUN) | 21 July 2019 | Gwangju |
| 13 | 4:01.75 | Lani Pallister (AUS) | 19 April 2024 | Gold Coast |
| 14 | 4:01.77 | Allison Schmitt (USA) | 29 July 2012 | London |
| 15 | 4:01.95 | Tang Muhan (CHN) | 20 September 2021 | Xi'an |
| 16 | 4:02.08 | Paige Madden (USA) | 15 June 2024 | Indianapolis |
| 17 | 4:02.13 | Laure Manaudou (FRA) | 31 July 2006 | Budapest |
| 18 | 4:02.14 | Isabel Gose (GER) | 27 July 2024 | Paris |
| 19 | 4:02.20 | Katie Hoff (USA) | 16 February 2008 | Columbia |
| 20 | 4:02.35 | Chen Qian (CHN) | 17 October 2009 | Jinan |
| 21 | 4:02.37 | Boglárka Kapás (HUN) | 7 August 2016 | Rio de Janeiro |
| 22 | 4:02.47 | Melani Costa (ESP) | 28 July 2013 | Barcelona |
| 23 | 4:02.86 | Maria Fernanda Costa (BRA) | 11 February 2024 | Doha |
| 24 | 4:03.02 | Sharon van Rouwendaal (NED) | 2 August 2015 | Kazan |
| 24 | 4:03.02 | Wang Jianjiahe (CHN) | 31 December 2020 | Shijiazhuang |

#### Notes

Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 4:03.02:
* Ariarne Titmus also swam 3:55.44 (2024), 3:56.40 (2022), 3:56.69 (2021), 3:56.90 (2021), 3:57.49 (2024), 3:58.06 (2022), 3:58.47 (2023), 3:58.76 (2019), 3:59.13 (2024), 3:59.35 (2019), 3:59.66 (2018, 2019), 3:59.99 (2024), 4:00.03 (2022), 4:00.49 (2023), 4:00.93 (2018), 4:01.34 (2021), 4:01.39 (2023), 4:01.57 (2024), 4:01.66 (2021), 4:01.73 (2018), 4:01.94 (2023), 4:02.36 (2018), 4:02.39 (2024), 4:02.42 (2019), 4:02.86 (2017).
* Katie Ledecky also swam 3:57.36 (2021), 3:57.94 (2018), 3:58.15 (2022), 3:58.34 (2017), 3:58.35 (2024), 3:58.37 (2014), 3:58.44 (2017), 3:58.50 (2018), 3:58.71 (2016), 3:58.73 (2023), 3:58.84 (2023), 3:58.86 (2014), 3:58.98 (2016), 3:59.06 (2017), 3:59.09 (2018), 3:59.13 (2015), 3:59.25 (2021), 3:59.28 (2019), 3:59.52 (2022), 3:59.54 (2016), 3:59.66 (2020), 3:59.71 (2022), 3:59.79 (2022), 3:59.82 (2013), 3:59.89 (2014), 3:59.95 (2019), 3:59.97 (2019), 3:59.99 (2024), 4:00.20 (2023), 4:00.31 (2016), 4:00.35 (2018), 4:00.37 (2021), 4:00.38 (2022), 4:00.45 (2021, 2023), 4:00.47 (2015), 4:00.51 (2018, 2021), 4:02.29 (2018), 4:00.80 (2023), 4:00.81 (2019), 4:00.86 (2024), 4:00.95 (2022), 4:00.98 (2017), 4:01.01 (2017), 4:01.04 (2025), 4:01.27 (2021, 2025), 4:01.30 (2022), 4:01.37 (2021), 4:01.41 (2024), 4:01.45 (2016), 4:01.50 (2019), 4:01.59 (2022), 4:01.64 (2021), 4:01.68 (2019), 4:01.73 (2015, 2023), 4:01.80 (2023), 4:01.81 (2015), 4:01.84 (2019), 4:01.88 (2023), 4:01.95 (2015), 4:01.96 (2017), 4:01.98 (2016), 4:02.08 (2018), 4:02.15 (2016), 4:02.19 (2024), 4:02.21 (2016, 2018), 4:02.38 (2021, 2023), 4:02.39 (2024), 4:02.40 (2019), 4:02.41 (2017), 4:02.44 (2019), 4:02.46 (2024), 4:02.51 (2022), 4:02.57 (2018), 4:02.59 (2017), 4:02.62 (2016), 4:02.67 (2015, 2015), 4:02.69 (2018), 4:02.71 (2019, 2022), 4:02.72 (2024), 4:02.80 (2022), 4:02.87 (2019).
* Summer McIntosh also swam 3:58.37 (2024), 3:59.06 (2024), 3:59.32 (2022), 3:59.39 (2022), 3:59.42 (2023), 3:59.79 (2022), 3:59.94 (2023), 4:01.59 (2022), 4:01.72 (2023), 4:02.18 (2025), 4:02.42 (2021), 4:02.65 (2024), 4:02.72 (2021).
* Erika Fairweather also swam 3:59.59 (2023), 4:00.62 (2023), 4:00.97 (2023), 4:01.09 (2023), 4:01.12 (2024), 4:01.90 (2023), 4:02.20 (2023), 4:02.28 (2021), 4:02.35 (2023), 4:02.55 (2024).
* Federica Pellegrini also swam 4:00.41 (2009), 4:01.53 (2008), 4:01.96 (2009), 4:01.97 (2011), 4:02.19 (2008), 4:02.93 (2008).
* Joanne Jackson swam 4:00.66 (2009).
* Rebecca Adlington also swam 4:00.89 (2009), 4:02.24 (2008), 4:02.35 (2012), 4:02.80 (2008), 4:02.84 (2011), 4:03.01 (2012).
* Leah Smith also swam 4:01.29 (2019), 4:01.54 (2017), 4:01.92 (2016), 4:02.00 (2017), 4:02.08 (2022), 4:02.21 (2018).
* Camille Muffat also swam 4:01.45 (2012), 4:02.64 (2013), 4:02.84 (2013), 4:02.97 (2012).
* Li Bingjie also swam 4:01.57 (2021), 4:01.62 (2024), 4:01.65 (2023), 4:01.75 (2017), 4:01.96 (2023), 4:02.36 (2021), 4:02.52 (2017), 4:02.87 (2023).
* Lani Pallister also swam 4:02.07 (2023), 4:02.16 (2022), 4:02.21 (2022), 4:02.27 (2024), 4:02.43 (2023), 4:02.47 (2023), 4:02.65 (2024).
* Paige Madden also swam 4:02.26 (2024), 4:03.02 (2024).
* Katie Hoff also swam 4:02.32 (2008).
* Isabel Gose also swam 4:02.39 (2024), 4:02.48 (2024), 4:03.02 (2023).
* Allison Schmitt also swam 4:02.51 (2009), 4:02.80 (2009), 4:02.84 (2012).
* Laure Manaudou also swam 4:02.61 (2007).
* Jazmin Carlin also swam 4:02.83 (2016).

### Women short course

* Correct as of December 2024
| Pos | Time | Swimmer | Date | Venue |
| 1 | 3:50.25 | Summer McIntosh (CAN) | 10 December 2024 | Budapest |
| 2 | 3:51.30 | Li Bingjie (CHN) | 27 October 2022 | Beijing |
| 3 | 3:52.88 | Katie Ledecky (USA) | 28 October 2022 | Toronto |
| 4 | 3:53.73 | Lani Pallister (AUS) | 10 December 2024 | Budapest |
| 5 | 3:53.92 | Ariarne Titmus (AUS) | 14 December 2018 | Hangzhou |
| 6 | 3:53.97 | Wang Jianjiahe (CHN) | 4 October 2018 | Hungary |
| 7 | 3:54.52 | Mireia Belmonte (ESP) | 11 August 2013 | Germany |
| 8 | 3:54.85 | Camille Muffat (FRA) | 24 November 2012 | France |
| 9 | 3:54.88 | Mary-Sophie Harvey (CAN) | 10 December 2024 | Budapest |
| 10 | 3:54.92 | Joanne Jackson (GBR) | 8 August 2009 | Great Britain |
| 11 | 3:55.12 | Paige Madden (USA) | 10 December 2024 | Budapest |
| 12 | 3:55.16 | Lauren Boyle (NZL) | 8 August 2013 | Netherlands |
| 13 | 3:55.89 | Allison Schmitt (USA) | 18 December 2009 | Great Britain |
| 14 | 3:56.00 | Erika Fairweather (NZL) | 13 December 2022 | Melbourne |
| 15 | 3:56.09 | Laure Manaudou (FRA) | 9 December 2006 | Finland |
| 16 | 3:56.12 | Claire Weinstein (USA) | 10 December 2024 | Budapest |
| 17 | 3:56.24 | Coralie Balmy (FRA) | 16 November 2008 | Berlin |
| 18 | 3:56.52 | Siobhán Haughey (HKG) | 21 October 2022 | Berlin |
| 19 | 3:56.84 | Melani Costa (ESP) | 8 August 2013 | Netherlands |
| 19 | 3:56.84 | Isabel Gose (GER) | 10 December 2024 | Budapest |
| 21 | 3:57.07 | Katie Hoff (USA) | 17 December 2010 | Dubai |
| 22 | 3:57.45 | Holly Hibbott (GBR) | 21 December 2019 | United States |
| 23 | 3:57.59 | Federica Pellegrini (ITA) | 6 March 2011 | Italy |
| 24 | 3:57.61 | Katie Grimes (USA) | 31 October 2024 | Singapore |
| 25 | 3:57.76 | Sharon van Rouwendaal (NED) | 5 December 2014 | Doha |

#### Notes

Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 3:57.76:
* Summer McIntosh also swam 3:52.80 (2022), 3:57.55 (2024), 3:57.75 (2021).
* Katie Ledecky also swam 3:54.04 (2022), 3:54.06 (2019), 3:56.23 (2022), 3:56.64 (2022).
* Wang Jianjiahe also swam 3:54.56 (2018), 3:54.63 (2018).
* Ariarne Titmus also swam 3:54.58 (2020), 3:56.21 (2019).
* Camille Muffat also swam 3:54.93 (2012), 3:57.48 (2008).
* Lani Pallister also swam 3:55.04 (2022), 3:56.27 (2024), 3:56.74 (2022).
* Lauren Boyle also swam 3:55.31 (2013), 3:57.68 (2013).
* Mireia Belmonte also swam 3:55.36 (2014), 3:55.76 (2014), 3:56.14 (2013), 3:56.39 (2011), 3:57.65 (2013).
* Li Bingjie also swam 3:55.83 (2021).
* Coralie Balmy also swam 3:56.39 (2008), 3:56.55 (2009), 3:57.75 (2009).
* Mary-Sophie Harvey also swam 3:56.78 (2024).
* Laure Manaudou also swam 3:56.79 (2005), 3:57.43 (2007).
* Siobhán Haughey also swam 3:57.06 (2021).