In 2012, GDP for the OECD as a whole was USD 46 168 billion. The largest six economies in the OECD (as measured using purchasing power parities) were the United States, Japan, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy.

In 2012, GDP growth in the OECD area was 1.5%, a slowdown from 2.0% growth in 2011. The overall increase in GDP growth for the OECD as a whole masks the fact that 12 out of the 34 OECD countries experienced negative growth in 2012. GDP contracted most significantly in Greece (6.4%), its fifth consecutive yearly decline. On the other hand, Chile (5.6%) and Estonia (3.9%) showed the highest growth rates.

GDP per capita for the OECD as a whole was USD 37 010 in 2012. Four countries recorded GDP per capita in excess of USD 50 000 in 2012 – Luxembourg, Norway, Switzerland, and the United States.