25 Popular Facts That Are Actually False

The highest mountain is Everest.

Everest vs. Mauna Kea
Mount Everest is often celebrated as the tallest mountain on Earth, standing an impressive 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level. However, this measurement only considers height above sea level. If we measure mountains from base to summit, Hawaii’s Mauna Kea takes the crown as the tallest mountain in the world. Mauna Kea rises approximately 10,000 meters (33,500 feet) from its base on the ocean floor to its peak. However, only 4,207 meters (13,802 feet) of Mauna Kea are visible above sea level, which is why it doesn’t receive the same recognition as Everest. The distinction between "tallest" and "highest" highlights how perspective influences our understanding of natural landmarks. While Everest remains the highest point on Earth’s surface, Mauna Kea’s hidden underwater base makes it a fascinating contender for the title of the tallest mountain overall.

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