This article includes the world record progression for the 4×50 metres freestyle relay and it shows the chronological history of world record times in that competitive short course swimming event.
The world records are recognized by and maintained by FINA ("Fédération Internationale de Natation"), the international competitive swimming and aquatics federation that overseas the sport in international competition.
FINA amended its regulations governing the recognition of world records in 1956; specifically, FINA mandated that only record times that were contested in 50-metre (or 55-yard) pools were eligible for recognition after that time.
[2] In October 2013 FINA decided to establish "standards" before something can be recognized as the first world record in these events.
[3] But later, on 13 March 2014, FINA officially ratified the eight world records set by Indiana University swimmers at the IU Relay Rally held on 26 September 2013 in Bloomington.