The 1976 World Short Track Speed Skating Championships were the first ever championships and took place between April 9 and 11, 1976 in Champaign, Illinois.

The World Championships are organised by the ISU which also run world cups and championships in speed skating and figure skating.

* First place is awarded 5 points, second is awarded 3 points, third is awarded 2 points, fourth is awarded 1 point in the finals of each individual race to determine the overall world champion.

* First place is awarded 5 points, second is awarded 3 points, third is awarded 2 points, fourth is awarded 1 point in the finals of each individual race to determine the overall world champion.

The relays do not count for the overall classification.