What does this number measure?
Earth's second-highest summit. K2 rises in the Karakoram. Its altitude and steep silhouette make it a major high-mountain reference; the height of the visible face depends on the starting point and viewpoint.
Compare the stated dimensions
The comparison uses the number in each fact sheet: altitude, height, diameter, length or distance, depending on the reference. Two values in metres do not necessarily describe the same property.
Source and limitations
Catalogue order of magnitude; a source is provided, but this measurement has not been individually audited.
Interpreted relief of K2. The 8 611 m is an altitude above sea level; the visible height from the drawn base has not been measured.