The men's high jump event was part of the track and field athletics programme at the 1920 Summer Olympics.

The event was won by Richmond Landon of the United States, the nation's sixth consecutive victory in the men's high jump.

The American team was favored; John Murphy had won the U.S. trials, with Richmond Landon second and Harold Muller third.

The United States appeared for the sixth time, having competed at each edition of the Olympic men's high jump to that point.

In a jump-off for fourth and fifth place, Whalen prevailed over Murphy though both jumped 1.89 metres.