World record progression 100 metres butterfly
The first world record in the 100 metres butterfly in long course swimming was recognised by the International Swimming Federation in 1957, for both men and women. In the short-course swimming events, the world's governing body recognizes world records since March 3, 1991.
Men
Long course
Short course
Women
Long course
Short course
All-time top 25
Men
- Correct as of August 2019.
| Pos | Time | Swimmer | Date | Venue |
| 1 | 49.50 | | 26 July 2019 | South Korea |
| 2 | 49.82 | | 1 August 2009 | Italy |
| 3 | 49.95 | | 1 August 2009 | Italy |
| 4 | 50.39 | | 12 August 2016 | Brazil |
| 5 | 50.40 | | 30 July 2005 | Canada |
| 6 | 50.41 | | 26 July 2009 | Italy |
| 7 | 50.56 | | 8 August 2015 | Russia |
| 8 | 50.62 | | 29 July 2017 | Hungary |
| 9 | 50.64 | | 9 August 2018 | Great Britain |
| 10 | 50.65 | | 26 July 2009 | Italy |
| 11 | 50.67 | | 28 July 2017 | Hungary |
| 12 | 50.68 | | 2 August 2019 | United States |
| 13 | 50.78 | | 31 July 2009 | Italy |
| 14 | 50.83 | | 27 July 2019 | South Korea |
| 15 | 50.85 | | 1 August 2009 | Italy |
| 15 | 50.85 | | 21 April 2019 | France |
| 17 | 50.86 | | 21 May 2016 | Great Britain |
| 18 | 50.90 | | 31 July 2009 | Italy |
| 19 | 50.96 | | 29 July 2017 | Hungary |
| 20 | 51.00 | | 11 September 2009 | Japan |
| 20 | 51.00 | | 29 July 2017 | Hungary |
| 20 | 51.00 | | 1 March 2018 | United States |
| 23 | 51.02 | | 31 July 2009 | Italy |
| 24 | 51.03 | | 7 August 2015 | Russia |
| 25 | 51.10 | | 14 August 2008 | China |
Women
| Pos | Time | Swimmer | Date | Venue |
| 1 | 55.48 | | 7 August 2016 | Brazil |
| 2 | 55.83 | | 22 July 2019 | South Korea |
| 3 | 55.98 | | 29 July 2012 | Great Britain |
| 4 | 56.07 | | 18 October 2009 | China |
| 5 | 56.08 | | 9 August 2018 | Japan |
| 6 | 56.18 | | 24 July 2017 | Hungary |
| 7 | 56.23 | | 27 July 2009 | Italy |
| 8 | 56.37 | | 24 July 2017 | Hungary |
| 9 | 56.46 | | 7 August 2016 | Brazil |
| 10 | 56.51 | | 18 August 2014 | Germany |
| 11 | 56.61 | | 17 September 2000 | Australia |
| 11 | 56.61 | | 23 September 2014 | South Korea |
| 13 | 56.69 | | 16 April 2009 | Netherlands |
| 14 | 56.73 | | 11 August 2008 | China |
| 15 | 56.76 | | 7 August 2016 | Brazil |
| 16 | 56.85 | | 28 July 2012 | Great Britain |
| 17 | 56.86 | | 27 July 2009 | Italy |
| 18 | 56.89 | | 27 July 2009 | Italy |
| 19 | 56.94 | | 27 July 2009 | Italy |
| 20 | 56.95 | | 16 July 2020 | Brest |
| 21 | 56.96 | | 27 July 2009 | Italy |
| 22 | 57.00 | | 21 July 2019 | South Korea |
| 23 | 57.02 | | 5 April 2016 | Canada |
| 23 | 57.02 | | 21 July 2019 | South Korea |
| 25 | 57.04 | | 21 July 2019 | South Korea |
