The 1996 Tippeligaen was the 52nd completed season of top division football in Norway.

Each team played 26 games with 3 points given for wins and 1 for draws.

Number twelve, thirteen and fourteen are relegated.

The winners of the two groups of the first division (second tier) are promoted, as well as the winner of a play-off match between the two second placed teams in the two groups of the first division.

Source: nifs.noNotes:1: Team played last season in 1. divisjon.