What is the Best Way to Define the World's Largest Waterfall?

Waterfalls stand as some of the most awe-inspiring natural spectacles on Earth. The relentless flow of water evokes a sense of eternity, while the raw power they display — from the deafening roar to the rising mist, to the overwhelming volume — serves as a testament to the majesty of nature.

So, which waterfall holds the title of being the largest in the world? Is it the tallest, the widest, or the one with the greatest water volume? Let's explore this question further.

What Do We Mean by 'Large'?

As with any list of extremes, the true complexity lies in the details. The most impressive waterfalls are often quite tall, although not all of the highest waterfalls feature a single, uninterrupted drop. When the water breaks away from the rock face, this is referred to as a "plunge."

To add another layer of complexity, height alone doesn't determine the largest waterfall in terms of water volume. Similarly, it doesn’t guarantee the largest in terms of width; sometimes, a waterfall that stretches wide can be just as breathtaking as one that towers tall.

For this article, we will focus on waterfalls that meet both criteria: the tallest as well as those notable for their width and sheer volume of water.

As an added bonus, we'll also explore a fascinating exception — a waterfall that, while intriguing, is virtually impossible to visit in person.

5 of the Largest Waterfalls

Given that there is no single agreed-upon definition of "largest," we've gathered some of the most remarkable waterfalls — from the tallest to the widest, and even the most visually stunning, depending on personal perspective.

Traditionally Recognized Tallest Waterfall: Angel Falls

Situated in Venezuela, Angel Falls — known as Kerepakupai Merú in the Pemon language — has long been celebrated as the tallest waterfall on Earth, standing at 3,212 feet (979 meters), and it is also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In recent times, there has been increasing uncertainty surrounding the exact height of Angel Falls, leading some to question its claim to being the tallest waterfall. The World Waterfall Database now ranks it at No. 13!

This change is the result of updated measurements, which now show a height of 2,648 feet (807 meters). But why the difference of nearly 600 feet (200 meters)?

Originally, the measurements were taken from a considerable distance, and they included a lengthy, gradual slope down to the river below, which wouldn't usually contribute to a waterfall's height. Despite this, Angel Falls remains an awe-inspiring sight and certainly ranks among the tallest waterfalls in the world.

Currently Recognized as the Tallest Waterfall: Tugela Falls

Across the Atlantic Ocean lies Tugela Falls in South Africa. Its official height is 3,110 feet (948 meters). As noted above, there is a controversy surrounding Angel Falls' status as the tallest waterfall, and recent measurements of Tugela Falls have placed it atop the official list.

Undoubtedly impressive, it is also has significantly less flow than Angel Falls, and the overall height is broken up into several segments. Still, if you're determined to see the very tallest waterfalls, you'll probably want to make time for this one.

Widest Waterfall: Victoria Falls

Straddling the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is an enormous waterfall on the Zambezi River. Its local name, "Mosi-oa-Tunya" in the Lozi language, translates to "thundering smoke," a fitting description of the thunderous sound and mist created by this powerful cascade.

With a width of 5,604 feet (1,708 meters) and a height of 354 feet (108 meters), Victoria Falls holds the title of the world's largest sheet of falling water.

Largest Waterfall System: Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls sits on the border between Brazil and Argentina. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it forms the largest waterfall system in the world, stretching 8,858 feet (2,700 meters) wide and plunging 269 feet (82 meters) deep.

As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world, Iguazu Falls also ranks sixth in terms of annual flow, with an impressive 61,660 cubic feet (1,746 cubic meters) of water flowing every second.

Greatest Flow Rate in North America: Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is located on the border between the United States and Canada. Known for its natural beauty and ease of access, it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations, in addition to generating significant hydroelectric power.

What is often referred to as "Niagara Falls" is actually composed of three separate waterfalls.

The largest, Horseshoe Falls (sometimes called Canadian Falls), stands at 187 feet (57 meters) tall. The smaller American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls add to the flow, which totals 7,897 cubic feet per second (2,407 cubic meters), making it the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America.

The Denmark Strait Cataract: An Underwater Splendor

Can a waterfall exist underwater? It sure can, under the right circumstances. In the Denmark Strait, between Iceland and Greenland, icy waters from the frigid Nordic seas flow southward into the Atlantic Ocean.

Along this journey, the cold water takes a dramatic plunge: descending 11,500 feet (3,500 meters) along a path shaped by ancient glaciers in the ocean floor. This dense, chilled water quickly sinks beneath the warmer surface layers, cascading downward at an impressive rate of 110 million cubic feet (3.2 million cubic meters) per second.

While this immense underwater waterfall is largely invisible to the naked eye, it remains a significant and measurable phenomenon, showcasing the magnitude, power, and intricacy of nature's forces.