The United States maintains the world's largest GDP at approximately $28.7 trillion in 2026, while China ranks second with approximately $19.9 trillion, a $8.8 trillion difference driven by higher per-capita productivity and service sector dominance in the US.
US GDP vs China GDP 2026 — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
World's largest economy driven by services, technology, and financial sectors
World's second-largest economy with rapid growth and manufacturing dominance
Total GDP Size. GDP Per Capita. Service Sector Share. Manufacturing Output. Average Annual Growth Rate (2021-2026). Technology/IT Sector. Population Size
The United States maintains superior overall economic strength with a significantly larger GDP and substantially higher per-capita income, reflecting advanced service sectors, technology dominance, and higher labor productivity. However, China demonstrates faster growth momentum and dominance in manufacturing capacity, positioning it as an increasingly competitive economic power. Choose the US for indicators of current economic power and wealth distribution; choose China for understanding the fastest-growing major economy and manufacturing backbone of global supply chains.
United States GDP: $30+ trillion | China GDP: $17.9 trillion (nominal)
United States GDP: $30 trillion | China GDP: $35+ trillion
United States GDP: 2.0-2.5% | China GDP: 4.5-5.0%
United States GDP: $925.8 billion | China GDP: $296.5 billion
United States GDP: $4,175.4 billion | China GDP: $620.1 billion
United States GDP: €3,981 | China GDP: €467
United States GDP: 15-20% | China GDP: 70%
United States GDP: 2.0-2.5% | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 5-8% | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: Market-driven; highly transparent | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: $31.821 trillion | China GDP: $20.651 trillion
United States GDP: 2.1-2.5% | China GDP: 4.6-4.8%
United States GDP: $89,000+ | China GDP: $14,100
United States GDP: 23.64% | China GDP: 15.28%
United States GDP: ~15% | China GDP: ~35%
United States GDP: ~20% | China GDP: ~70%
United States GDP: ~6% | China GDP: ~94%
United States GDP: 0-0.5% | China GDP: 0.5-2.0%
United States GDP: $30+ | China GDP: $17-18
United States GDP: 2.5-2.7% | China GDP: 4.6-4.8%
United States GDP: €925.8 billion | China GDP: €296.5 billion
United States GDP: 10-15% | China GDP: 80%+
United States GDP: $31.82 trillion | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 2.1% | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 2.0% | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 28-30% | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: $433.731 billion annualized | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 1 (United States) | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: #1 globally | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: $31.8 trillion (real) | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: $27.4 trillion | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 2.5% | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: $34 trillion | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 11.8% | China GDP: 27.3%
United States GDP: 11.2% | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 2.7% | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 12.1% | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 60 companies | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: $81,285 | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: $82,450 | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: 12.5% | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: $0.14 trillion | China GDP: N/A
United States GDP: $27.4 trillion | China GDP: $17.9 trillion
United States GDP: 2.7% | China GDP: 5.2%
United States GDP: $27.9 trillion | China GDP: $33.7 trillion
United States GDP: 82% | China GDP: 2.3%
United States GDP: 8.1% | China GDP: 12.8%
United States GDP: 130% | China GDP: 77%
United States GDP: $28.9 trillion | China GDP: $23.5 trillion
United States GDP: 2.1% | China GDP: 4.2%
United States GDP: $2.1 trillion | China GDP: $4.3 trillion
United States GDP: 12.1% | China GDP: 8.4%
United States GDP: 123% | China GDP: 77%
United States GDP: $285 billion | China GDP: $189 billion
United States GDP: 336 million | China GDP: 1,418 million
United States GDP: $28.7 trillion | China GDP: $19.9 trillion
United States GDP: $85,400 | China GDP: $14,100
United States GDP: 2.1% | China GDP: 4.8%
United States GDP: $1.8 trillion | China GDP: $1.2 trillion
United States GDP: 32.8% | China GDP: 22.7%
How to choose between United States GDP and China GDP
US GDP vs China GDP 2026 — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for US GDP vs China GDP 2026. Contains 71 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
US GDP vs China GDP 2026 — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for US GDP vs China GDP 2026.
Why is US GDP so much larger than China's despite China having 4x the population?
The US GDP per capita ($85,400) is 6x higher than China's ($14,100) due to advanced technology sectors, higher labor productivity, mature service economy, superior institutional frameworks, and capital efficiency. Per capita income reflects individual earning power, not population size. China's lower per-capita output means each citizen generates far less economic value, though this gap is narrowing as China develops.
Why does China grow faster if it's the second-largest economy?
Economies grow faster from a lower development base through rapid industrialization and catch-up effects. China's 4.8% growth is faster than the US's 2.1% because it's converting rural populations to manufacturing workers and urbanizing at scale. The US is already developed with saturation in many sectors, limiting growth rates. This is typical: developing economies have higher growth rates until they mature.
When will China's GDP exceed the United States?
At current trajectories (US: 2.1% annual growth, China: 4.8%), mathematical models suggest China could match US nominal GDP in 12-15 years (2038-2041) if growth rates hold steady. However, this assumes continued 4.8% Chinese growth despite demographic decline and potential slowdown. Most economists expect convergence to slow as China ages, suggesting the gap may persist or narrow more gradually than linear projections indicate.
Which economy is more important for global markets?
The US economy is more important for financial markets (43% of global stock market capitalization) and technology innovation, while China dominates manufacturing and trade flows. The US Dollar is the reserve currency, US Treasury bonds anchor global finance, and US tech companies set global standards. However, China's role in supply chains and commodity consumption makes it equally critical to global stability. Most economists view both as systemically important.
How reliable are GDP figures for comparing the two economies?
US GDP figures are highly reliable, audited by the Bureau of Economic Analysis with transparent methodology. China's GDP data is more opaque—independent economists estimate actual growth may be 1-2% lower than officially reported due to regional inflation of figures and revisions. Most international organizations (IMF, World Bank) use official figures but note measurement uncertainty of ±0.5-1.0% for China relative to ±0.2% for the US.
How to Choose Between United States GDP and China GDP
Total GDP Size: United States GDP has $28.7 trillion, while China GDP has $19.9 trillion.
GDP Per Capita: United States GDP has $85,400, while China GDP has $14,100.
Service Sector Share: United States GDP has 80% of GDP, while China GDP has 54% of GDP.
Manufacturing Output: United States GDP has $2.1 trillion, while China GDP has $4.3 trillion.
Consider: Average Annual Growth Rate (2021-2026)
Average Annual Growth Rate (2021-2026): United States GDP has 2.1%, while China GDP has 4.8%.
Technology/IT Sector: United States GDP has $1.8 trillion, while China GDP has $1.2 trillion.
Population Size: United States GDP has 336 million, while China GDP has 1.418 billion.