Men's discus throw world record progression
The first world record in the men's discus was recognised by the International Association of Amateur Athletics, now known as World Athletics, in 1912, and was set by James Duncan in 1912.
As of 2025, 42 world records have been ratified by World Athletics in the event. Another 14 are acknowledged but are unofficial, since they were set before the founding of IAAF.
Outdoor progression
| Ratified | |
| Not ratified | |
| Ratified but later rescinded | |
| Pending ratification |
| Mark | Athlete | Date | Location | Ref |
 James Duncan|USA|1908T&Fcalc|47.61 |