What was Metallica's worldwide album-sales figure reported for The Black Album?

Metallica's The Black Album has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.

That figure places the self-titled record among the best-selling albums in music history. Its success came from a combination of strong international chart performance, extensive touring, radio-friendly singles, and long-term catalog sales that continued well beyond the original 1991 release.

The worldwide figure should not be confused with the album's United States sales total. In the US, the album passed 20 million copies and became the first album in the Nielsen SoundScan era to reach that mark. The Recording Industry Association of America certified it 2× Diamond in 2025.

Sales figures can vary slightly by source and by whether certifications, shipments, or tracked consumer purchases are being discussed. The broad historical measure associated with the album is more than 30 million copies sold worldwide, making it Metallica's best-selling release.