Template:1996 NL Central standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB | Home | Road |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Cardinals | 88 | 74 | .543 | — | 48–33 | 40–41 |
| Houston Astros | 82 | 80 | .506 | 6 | 48–33 | 34–47 |
| Cincinnati Reds | 81 | 81 | .500 | 7 | 46–35 | 35–46 |
| Chicago Cubs | 76 | 86 | .469 | 12 | 43–38 | 33–48 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 73 | 89 | .451 | 15 | 36–44 | 37–45 |