This chapter presents a comprehensive analysis of root distributions in terrestrial biomes, aiming to understand and predict ecosystem functions such as carbon and water fluxes. The study compiles data from 250 root studies across 11 biomes, using the depth coefficient β to assess rooting patterns. Tundra, boreal forest, and temperate grasslands have shallowest rooting profiles (β = 0.913, 0.943, and 0.943, respectively), while deserts and temperate coniferous forests have the deepest profiles (β = 0.975 and 0.976). Root biomass varies significantly, with tropical evergreen forests having the highest (5 kg m−2), and croplands, deserts, tundra, and grasslands having below 1.5 kg m−2. Root/shoot (R/S) ratios are highest in tundra, grasslands, and cold deserts (4 to 7), and lowest in forest ecosystems and croplands (0.1 to 0.5). Grasses have 44% of their roots in the top 10 cm, while shrubs have only 21%. The globally averaged root distribution is β = 0.966, with 30%, 50%, and 75% of roots in the top 10 cm, 20 cm, and 40 cm, respectively. The chapter discusses the limitations and implications of the analysis for root biomass and functioning.This chapter presents a comprehensive analysis of root distributions in terrestrial biomes, aiming to understand and predict ecosystem functions such as carbon and water fluxes. The study compiles data from 250 root studies across 11 biomes, using the depth coefficient β to assess rooting patterns. Tundra, boreal forest, and temperate grasslands have shallowest rooting profiles (β = 0.913, 0.943, and 0.943, respectively), while deserts and temperate coniferous forests have the deepest profiles (β = 0.975 and 0.976). Root biomass varies significantly, with tropical evergreen forests having the highest (5 kg m−2), and croplands, deserts, tundra, and grasslands having below 1.5 kg m−2. Root/shoot (R/S) ratios are highest in tundra, grasslands, and cold deserts (4 to 7), and lowest in forest ecosystems and croplands (0.1 to 0.5). Grasses have 44% of their roots in the top 10 cm, while shrubs have only 21%. The globally averaged root distribution is β = 0.966, with 30%, 50%, and 75% of roots in the top 10 cm, 20 cm, and 40 cm, respectively. The chapter discusses the limitations and implications of the analysis for root biomass and functioning.