The men's coxless four competition at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich took place from 27 August to 2 September at the Olympic Regatta Course in Oberschleißheim.

[1] The winner of each heat (green) qualifies to the semifinal round, while the remaining competitors go to the repechage.

Top two finishers in each heat qualify to the semifinal round.

First three qualify to the Final A, remainder to Final B.