The following table shows the world record progression in the men's indoor 60 metres, as recognised by the IAAF. The IAAF have officially ratified world indoor records since 1 January 1987; previous to this, they were regarded as world indoor bests.
^Kelly ran 6.6 in his semi-final at the European Indoor Games, and again in the final with Erbstößer and Kassatkin; the photofinish gave Kelly first, Erbstößer second and Kassatkin third, with each man being credited as having equalled the world record.
^This time, along with his 6.44 on the same day and 6.41 in 1987, was rescinded in September 1989 after Johnson admitted to steroid use between 1981 and 1988.
^Woronin's performances were not regarded as world indoor bests / records since Ben Johnson had run 6.50 and 6.44 in January 1986. Johnson ran ten times in the 6.41-6.50 range between 1986 and 1988, but all of these were rescinded after his admission to steroid use.
^Time rejected as a record since starting blocks were not wired, and drug testing was not done immediately after the race.