Australia's head swim coach Rohan Taylor is dismissing America's turning of the medal table at the world championships.

American broadcaster NBC switched tables mid-meet in Fukuoka, changing from the traditional measure of golds won to overall medals.

The change puts the United States on top with 31 medals, leaving Australia second with 20.

But Australia has won 13 golds with China next-best on five, followed by the four won by Americans.

Asked on Sunday how he judged the medal table, Taylor said: "The gold medals.

"That is how I look at it.

"For us, (Australia's former long-time head coach) Don Talbot always said the only thing that mattered was gold.

"I was brought through the system that way.

"When you look at the World Aquatics medal table, it has the gold medals (first).

"At an Olympics ... it's golds.

"At the end of the day, it's just a reflection of how well this team has performed.

"Let people decide what they want to decide.

"Internally, we're really proud."

Freestyler Kyle Chalmers said the Australian had noted the American switch.

"It has always been gold medals," Chalmers said.

"So this year it will be no different.

"They (the United States) will always probably try and find a way to sneak it to make it look like they're the better team.

"But this year, we have done it."

Australia have only beaten the Americans on the gold medal count at one previous world championships, in Fukuoka in 2001 - the sole time the Dolphins topped the table.

But the current Australian team is guaranteed of repeating that feat and finishing top in this edition, with seven golds on offer in Sunday night's final session.