Which desert is the largest in the world?

The Antarctic Desert is classified as the largest desert in the world, covering an area of about 14 million square kilometers (5.5 million square miles). Deserts are defined not just by their temperature but by their low precipitation levels. The Antarctic Desert qualifies as a cold desert, characterized by icy conditions and very little humidity. Its vast expanse of frozen land, under dry conditions, results in it having the lowest average temperature of any desert on Earth.

In contrast, the Sahara Desert, while it is the largest hot desert and known for its arid climate, occupies a smaller area than the Antarctic. The Arabian Desert and Gobi Desert, though notable and extensive, also do not cover as large an area as the Antarctic Desert. Understanding the classification of deserts helps clarify why the Antarctic desert holds the title of the largest in the world.