How high is Mount Everest above sea level?

The officially recognised Mount Everest height from sea level is 8,848.86 metres, equal to about 29,031.7 feet. This figure was adopted after a joint survey and announcement by Nepali and Chinese authorities in December 2020, resolving earlier discrepancies between earlier measurements. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Why the number matters (and why it changed)

Measuring a mountain’s height is not purely symbolic — it requires careful surveying of the rock summit versus the snow/ice cap, plus precise GPS, gravity corrections and accounting for tectonic movement. The 2020 measurement combined modern GPS surveying and international collaboration; small differences between earlier figures came from methods, whether the measurement included snow depth, and tectonic shifts after major earthquakes. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Everest elevation & altitude — what those terms mean

In this article we use elevation and altitude to mean the vertical distance above mean sea level. So when we say Everest’s elevation is 8,848.86 m, that is the vertical distance measured from the average sea level baseline to the mountain’s summit. This altitude makes Everest the highest point on Earth measured by elevation above sea level. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Quick facts table: Everest at a glance

How altitude shapes the Everest experience

At elevations above 8,000 metres — the so-called “death zone” — human physiology struggles because oxygen pressure is far lower than at sea level. Mountaineers attempting Everest face severe cold, thin air, rapidly changing weather and high-altitude illnesses. Acclimatisation, oxygen bottles, experienced guides and careful timing are essential for summit attempts. The mountain’s elevation is thus the defining factor of both its danger and its allure. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Elevation & climate: what to expect at different altitudes on Everest

Why Everest elevation remains a scientific & cultural touchstone

Beyond mountaineering, Everest’s official height is important for geology (plate tectonics and uplift), mapping, national pride and tourism. Periodic re-measurement helps scientists track crustal movement after large earthquakes and improves mapping accuracy for navigation and research. The 2020 joint announcement demonstrated international cooperation and modern surveying techniques coming together to update a globally recognised figure. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Practical notes for travellers & readers

• Understanding the number: “8,848.86 m” is the best current official elevation above mean sea level for the summit.
• Altitude effects: Even visiting lower parts of the Everest region requires acclimatisation planning; symptoms can appear at far lower altitudes than the summit.
• Weather & timing: Summit attempts require small seasonal windows (pre-monsoon/spring and post-monsoon/autumn) when winds and storms are less severe. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Quick takeaway

The Mount Everest height from sea level — officially 8,848.86 metres (≈29,031.7 ft) — is a modern, carefully measured figure that reflects both advanced surveying and evolving geologic reality. Everest’s elevation defines its climate, its dangers and its enduring place in human imagination. Whether you’re a climber, scientist or curious reader, that number is the most useful single fact for understanding the world’s highest peak. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}