Bill Gates net worth is estimated at approximately $123 billion as of November 5, 2026, according to Forbes’ real-time billionaire profile. He ranks 17th among the world’s richest people in the Forbes ranking. His fortune originally came from co-founding Microsoft and is now held largely through a diversified investment portfolio, while his long-term philanthropic plan is to donate virtually all his remaining wealth by 2045. Forbes+3
Introduction
Bill Gates remains one of the world’s wealthiest technology entrepreneurs, with an estimated fortune of $123 billion as of November 5, 2026, according to Forbes’ real-time billionaire ranking. The Microsoft co-founder is ranked 17th among the world’s richest individuals, reflecting decades of wealth creation through technology, business investments and financial assets.
At 71, Gates is no longer involved in the daily management of Microsoft. Instead, he focuses much of his attention on philanthropy, global health, education, climate innovation and technology through the Gates Foundation and his private investment and business activities.
The story behind the Bill Gates net worth figure is more complicated than simply owning Microsoft stock. Although Microsoft created the foundation of his fortune, Gates has gradually reduced his direct ownership in the company and diversified his wealth through Cascade Investment, a private investment firm.
His financial journey is also closely connected to an extraordinary charitable commitment. In May 2025, Gates announced that he intended to give virtually all his remaining wealth to philanthropy over the following 20 years. The Gates Foundation is scheduled to close permanently on December 31, 2045.
This article examines his estimated net worth, the sources of his wealth, investments, Microsoft ownership, properties, business career and philanthropic plans using the latest available information.
What Is Bill Gates’ Net Worth in 2026?
BILL GATES — ESTIMATED NET WORTH
$123 Billion
Forbes global ranking
No. 17
Valuation date
November 5, 2026
Main source of wealth
Microsoft and investments
Age
71
Source: Forbes real-time billionaire profile. Net worth fluctuates with investment valuations and market conditions.
According to Forbes, Bill Gates’ estimated wealth reached approximately $123 billion on November 5, 2026.
The estimate reflects the value of his financial interests and other assets after accounting for relevant liabilities. It is not a statement of the amount of money he holds in a bank account.
Forbes also placed Gates at number 17 on its global billionaire list on the same date. His position can change as stock prices, private investments and other asset valuations move. Forbes+1
Is Bill Gates a Billionaire or a Trillionaire?
Bill Gates is a billionaire, not a trillionaire.
A net worth of $123 billion makes him one of the richest people in the world, but it remains far below the $1 trillion threshold.
His wealth has grown and declined at different points because a significant portion is connected to financial investments and business holdings.
It is important to remember that billionaire rankings are estimates. Different publications use different valuation methods, which can result in different reported figures.
How Did Bill Gates Make His Fortune?
Bill Gates built most of his original wealth through Microsoft, the technology company he co-founded with Paul Allen in 1975.
The company became one of the most influential businesses in the history of personal computing.
Microsoft developed software products that transformed how individuals, businesses, schools and governments used computers.
Its success created enormous value for its founders and early shareholders.
1. Founding Microsoft in 1975
Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in April 1975.
Their initial ambition was to develop software for the emerging personal computer industry.
The company gained attention through its work on programming languages and operating systems.
Its major breakthrough came as personal computers became increasingly popular among consumers and businesses.
2. The Success of MS-DOS
One of Microsoft’s most important early commercial successes was MS-DOS.
The operating system became widely used on IBM-compatible personal computers.
Microsoft’s relationship with the expanding personal computer market helped establish the company as a major software business.
As computer adoption increased, demand for its operating systems and software products also grew.
This period laid the foundation for Gates’ long-term wealth.
3. Windows Changed Personal Computing
Microsoft Windows became one of the most influential products in the technology industry.
Its graphical interface helped make computers easier to use for individuals and businesses.
Over the years, Microsoft introduced several major Windows versions, including Windows 95, Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 10 and Windows 11.
The operating system became a major part of Microsoft’s global business.
Windows helped the company build a large software ecosystem, creating opportunities in business applications, productivity software, enterprise technology and cloud computing.
4. Microsoft Office and Enterprise Software
Another major contributor to Microsoft’s success was its productivity software.
Microsoft Office brought together widely used applications such as:
- Microsoft Word for document creation.
- Microsoft Excel for spreadsheets.
- Microsoft PowerPoint for presentations.
- Microsoft Outlook for email and productivity.
- Microsoft Access for database management.
These products became important tools for companies, educational institutions and individuals.
Microsoft also expanded into enterprise software and subscription services, including Microsoft 365.
As the company grew, its business model developed beyond selling individual software licences.
Recurring subscriptions and enterprise services became increasingly important to its operations.
5. Microsoft’s Growth in Cloud Computing
Microsoft’s cloud computing business has become another major part of its modern corporate identity.
Through Microsoft Azure, the company provides cloud infrastructure, computing resources, databases, storage and artificial intelligence services.
Azure competes in a global market that includes Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud.
Although Gates was no longer managing Microsoft’s daily operations during the company’s major cloud expansion, the company’s continuing growth has remained relevant to the value of his remaining financial interests.
Microsoft’s business performance can therefore affect estimates of Gates’ wealth, even though he is no longer its chief executive.
What Are the Main Sources of Bill Gates’ Wealth?
Microsoft was the original source of Gates’ fortune, but his wealth is now spread across multiple investments and assets.
His financial portfolio includes publicly traded companies, private businesses, real estate-related interests and other investments.
The following are the main components of his financial background.
1. Microsoft Shares
Microsoft remains closely associated with Gates’ wealth, even though he no longer owns the large percentage of the company that he held during its earlier years.
According to Forbes, Gates’ Microsoft ownership is now estimated at less than 1%.
He donated billions of dollars’ worth of Microsoft shares to the trust supporting the Gates Foundation in 2022. These charitable transfers reduced his direct ownership in the technology company. Forbes
Microsoft is publicly traded on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol MSFT.
Its market value changes with investor demand, financial performance and broader economic conditions.
Gates’ remaining Microsoft-related financial exposure is therefore only one part of his overall fortune.
2. Cascade Investment
One of the most important parts of Gates’ financial portfolio is Cascade Investment.
Cascade Investment manages investments connected to Gates’ wealth.
According to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index, the company was created using proceeds from Microsoft stock sales and dividends.
Its investment interests include publicly traded businesses and private assets.
Bloomberg has identified investments or stakes connected to companies such as:
- Canadian National Railway.
- Deere & Company.
- Ecolab.
- Other publicly traded businesses.
- Private businesses and real estate-related assets.
Cascade’s investments are diversified across several sectors rather than being concentrated entirely in technology. Bill Gates
This diversification is important because it means Gates’ estimated fortune is influenced by more than Microsoft’s share price.
For example, changes in the transportation, industrial, agricultural and financial markets can affect the value of different investments in his portfolio.
3. Publicly Traded Stocks
Gates’ financial interests include investments in publicly traded companies.
Such holdings can provide wealth through two main channels:
- Capital appreciation: Shares may increase in value over time.
- Dividends: Some companies distribute part of their earnings to shareholders.
The combination of share-price appreciation and dividend payments can contribute to long-term wealth accumulation.
However, it is important not to confuse a company’s total market value with Gates’ personal ownership.
He does not personally own every company in which Cascade has invested.
4. Private Investments and Business Interests
Gates has also maintained interests in private businesses and technology-related ventures.
One prominent example is TerraPower.
TerraPower is a nuclear energy company founded by Gates in 2008.
It focuses on developing advanced nuclear technologies, including next-generation reactor designs.
Forbes has reported that Gates has invested more than $1 billion in supporting the company over nearly two decades. Forbes
His interest in advanced energy reflects a broader investment focus on technologies that could address long-term global challenges.
These investments can be different from traditional stock-market holdings because private companies are not always valued through daily public-market trading.
Bill Gates’ Investment Portfolio: Why It Matters
The structure of Gates’ wealth helps explain why his net worth remains substantial despite his significant charitable donations.
Rather than relying entirely on Microsoft, his financial interests are distributed across different investment categories.
| Investment category | Role in his wealth |
|---|---|
| Microsoft-related holdings | Remaining direct company exposure |
| Cascade Investment | Major investment management vehicle |
| Public equities | Exposure to listed businesses |
| Private businesses | Long-term business investments |
| Real estate-related assets | Property and land interests |
| Energy technology | Investment in future energy solutions |
The exact percentage of Gates’ fortune held in each category is not fully established through a single public portfolio statement.
It would therefore be inaccurate to assign precise percentages to these investments without a verified, comprehensive financial breakdown.
Does Bill Gates Still Own Microsoft?
Yes, Gates retains a financial connection to Microsoft, but his ownership is much smaller than it was during the company’s early growth.
Forbes estimates that his stake has fallen below 1%.
This reduction is largely connected to his long-term charitable giving, including the transfer of billions of dollars in Microsoft shares to the trust supporting the Gates Foundation in 2022. Forbes
Gates also stepped away from Microsoft’s day-to-day leadership many years ago.
He stopped serving as chief executive in 2000 and transitioned to working full-time on the Gates Foundation in 2008.
In 2020, he left Microsoft’s board of directors.
These changes marked a shift from corporate management to philanthropy and other interests.
His wealth nevertheless remains connected to Microsoft’s history and the investments created using the proceeds from his early ownership.
Bill Gates’ Career Timeline: From Microsoft Founder to Philanthropist
Bill Gates’ professional journey spans more than five decades.
Here are some of the major milestones that shaped his career and financial success.
| Year | Major development |
|---|---|
| 1955 | Born in Seattle, Washington |
| 1973 | Entered Harvard University |
| 1975 | Co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen |
| 1980s | Microsoft expanded its operating system business |
| 1986 | Microsoft became a publicly traded company |
| 1990s | Windows and Office helped drive Microsoft’s global growth |
| 2000 | Stepped down as Microsoft’s CEO |
| 2000 | Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation began operating |
| 2008 | Transitioned to full-time philanthropic work |
| 2010 | Co-founded the Giving Pledge with Melinda French Gates and Warren Buffett |
| 2020 | Left Microsoft’s board |
| 2021 | Announced divorce from Melinda French Gates |
| 2025 | Announced a plan to give away virtually all his remaining wealth by 2045 |
| 2026 | Forbes estimated his wealth at $123 billion on November 5 |
The timeline demonstrates that Gates’ financial success did not come from a single business decision.
It developed through the growth of the personal computer industry, Microsoft’s global expansion, investment management and decades of asset ownership.
Bill Gates’ Education and Early Life
Bill Gates was born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, United States.
His full name is William Henry Gates III.
He grew up in a family that encouraged education and intellectual curiosity.
His father, William H. Gates Sr., was an attorney, while his mother, Mary Maxwell Gates, was involved in civic and community activities.
Gates developed an early interest in computers and programming.
He attended Lakeside School in Seattle, where he gained access to computer equipment and began learning programming.
Harvard University
Gates enrolled at Harvard University in 1973.
However, his interest in the developing computer industry eventually led him to leave the university without completing his degree.
He decided to focus on building Microsoft with Paul Allen.
The decision became one of the most consequential business choices in technology history.
His story is often discussed as an example of entrepreneurship, but it is important to recognize that Gates also benefited from the opportunities and rapidly expanding technology market of that period.
Bill Gates’ Real Estate Properties and Lifestyle
Bill Gates is associated with several high-value real estate interests.
His best-known residence is Xanadu 2.0, a large property in Medina, Washington, near Seattle.
The property has attracted attention for its architecture, technology features, extensive grounds and waterfront location.
It is often described in media coverage as one of America’s most famous billionaire homes.
Xanadu 2.0 in Medina, Washington
The residence is known for its technology-driven design.
Features commonly associated with the property include:
- Advanced home automation.
- Extensive entertainment facilities.
- Large indoor and outdoor spaces.
- A substantial library.
- Waterfront surroundings.
- Energy-efficient building technology.
The property reflects Gates’ long-standing interest in technology and innovation.
Its current market value should not be treated as a confirmed amount without a recent, independently verified valuation.
Other Land and Property Interests
Gates has also been associated with agricultural land and other real estate investments in the United States.
His investment activities through Cascade include private assets and real estate-related interests.
However, there is no single public document that provides a complete, current inventory of every property he personally owns, including precise market values.
For that reason, claims about the total value of his real estate portfolio should be treated cautiously.
Bill Gates’ Income: How Does He Earn Money Today?
Many readers search for Bill Gates’ annual salary or monthly income.
However, his financial position is different from that of a traditional employee.
Gates’ wealth is primarily connected to business ownership, investments, dividends and asset appreciation rather than a publicly disclosed fixed monthly salary.
His current income sources can be understood through several categories.
Investment Returns
His diversified portfolio can generate investment returns through share-price increases and dividends.
Publicly traded investments may produce income through dividend distributions, while private holdings may generate returns through business growth and asset appreciation.
Business Investments
His private investment interests provide exposure to businesses across multiple industries.
These holdings may contribute to long-term wealth, although their returns can vary considerably.
Microsoft-Related Wealth
Although his direct ownership is now estimated at less than 1%, his remaining financial interests in Microsoft can still be relevant to his overall financial position.
Other Professional Activities
Gates also works through Gates Ventures, his private office, on areas such as climate change, clean energy innovation, healthcare research and education.
The official Gates Foundation biography identifies these activities as part of his wider professional work. Gates Foundation
Does Bill Gates earn a fixed salary of $1 million per year?
There is no reliable public evidence establishing a fixed annual personal salary of $1 million as his complete or current income. His wealth should not be calculated using an unsupported salary figure.
Bill Gates’ Philanthropy: How Much Money Has He Donated?
Philanthropy is one of the most important parts of Gates’ financial story.
In 2000, Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates established the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to address global challenges involving healthcare, poverty and education.
Warren Buffett later became a major supporter of the foundation.
Over time, the organization developed into one of the world’s most influential private philanthropic institutions.
According to the Gates Foundation’s official website, the foundation distributed more than $100 billion during its first 25 years, from 2000 through 2025. Gates Foundation+1
This figure represents the foundation’s charitable giving, not simply Bill Gates’ personal donations.
How Much Has Bill Gates Personally Donated?
Forbes reported that Gates had donated more than $63.9 billion to the Gates Foundation as of its September 2026 profile update. Forbes
The Gates Foundation has also received contributions from Melinda French Gates and Warren Buffett.
Therefore, the foundation’s overall grantmaking should not be attributed entirely to Bill Gates.
The Giving Pledge
In 2010, Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates and Warren Buffett established the Giving Pledge.
The initiative encourages wealthy individuals and families to commit more than half of their wealth to charitable causes during their lifetimes or through their wills.
The Giving Pledge is a voluntary philanthropic commitment rather than a government requirement. The Giving Pledge+1
It reflects Gates’ broader belief that extreme wealth can be used to address problems affecting people around the world.
Why Does Bill Gates Want to Give Away His Wealth?
Gates has repeatedly emphasized the importance of directing financial resources toward problems such as infectious diseases, poverty and unequal access to healthcare and education.
His philanthropic activities focus on areas where research, funding and international cooperation can make a measurable difference.
These priorities include:
- Reducing preventable deaths among mothers and children.
- Fighting infectious diseases.
- Improving access to healthcare.
- Supporting agricultural development.
- Improving education.
- Reducing extreme poverty.
- Supporting innovation in public health.
The foundation also supports research and development initiatives intended to create solutions for communities that may not otherwise attract sufficient commercial investment.
Bill Gates’ $200 Billion Philanthropic Plan: What Happens by 2045?
One of the most significant developments in Gates’ financial plans occurred in May 2025.
He announced that he intended to give away virtually all his remaining wealth over the next two decades, with the Gates Foundation scheduled to close at the end of 2045.
In his statement, Gates described an intention to contribute approximately $200 billion over that period.
The foundation’s official FAQ confirms that it plans to close permanently on December 31, 2045, and that Gates intends to transfer virtually all his remaining wealth to support its charitable mission. Gates Foundation+1
This announcement is important because it changes how his long-term net worth should be understood.
Will Bill Gates Become Less Wealthy?
His wealth may decrease as he makes substantial charitable contributions.
However, his exact future net worth cannot be predicted.
Several factors will influence the amount:
- Changes in stock-market valuations.
- Performance of private investments.
- Growth or decline in business assets.
- The timing and amount of charitable contributions.
- Changes in property and other asset values.
The $200 billion figure is a stated long-term philanthropic commitment, not a guarantee that his wealth will follow a particular year-by-year schedule.
Will the Gates Foundation Close in 2045?
Yes. The foundation has officially announced December 31, 2045, as its planned closing date.
Its remaining resources and Gates’ pledged contributions are intended to support an accelerated period of charitable giving before closure. Gates Foundation
This makes the 2045 deadline a defining part of Gates’ current philanthropic strategy.
Bill Gates’ Family, Marriage and Children
Bill Gates was married to Melinda French Gates for 27 years.
The couple married in 1994 and announced their separation in May 2021. Their divorce was finalized in August 2021.
They have three children:
- Jennifer Gates.
- Rory John Gates.
- Phoebe Adele Gates.
Following the divorce, Melinda French Gates continued her philanthropic work through her own organization, Pivotal.
Bill Gates continues to lead the Gates Foundation as its chair and board member. Gates Foundation+1
Does Bill Gates’ Net Worth Include His Children’s Wealth?
No. Bill Gates’ estimated personal net worth should not automatically be combined with the wealth of his children.
His children have their own financial circumstances, and their individual assets are not automatically part of his personal fortune.
Likewise, charitable donations and assets transferred to independent charitable organizations should not be counted as personal wealth simply because Gates founded or supports those organizations.
Bill Gates Net Worth Compared With Other Billionaires
Bill Gates remains among the richest individuals globally, but several technology founders and business leaders have surpassed his estimated fortune.
The following table provides a comparison using Forbes’ November 5, 2026 real-time ranking.
| Billionaire | Estimated net worth |
|---|---|
| Elon Musk | $775.2 billion |
| Jeff Bezos | $372.6 billion |
| Larry Page | $231.6 billion |
| Sergey Brin | $213.3 billion |
| Mark Zuckerberg | $203.3 billion |
| Warren Buffett | $165 billion |
| Bill Gates | $123 billion |
Source: Forbes Real-Time Billionaires, November 5, 2026. Figures are market-sensitive estimates. The World’s Richest People+1
Gates’ position in this ranking reflects his long-term shift from concentrated Microsoft ownership toward diversified investments and large-scale philanthropy.
It also illustrates how rapidly technology-related fortunes can change as companies grow, markets fluctuate and founders sell or donate shares.
Why Does Bill Gates’ Net Worth Matter?
Bill Gates’ financial history provides an interesting example of how wealth can be created, managed and eventually directed toward philanthropy.
There are four important lessons from his financial journey.
1. Business ownership can create extraordinary wealth.
Gates built his fortune by owning a significant part of a company that became a global technology leader.
2. Diversification can reduce dependence on one company.
Through Cascade Investment, his financial interests extend beyond Microsoft.
3. Wealth and income are different measurements.
A billionaire’s net worth is not the same as annual salary or available cash. It includes the estimated value of assets and investments.
4. Philanthropy can change the long-term direction of wealth.
Gates’ commitment to giving away virtually all his remaining fortune by 2045 demonstrates how large private fortunes can be directed toward charitable activities.
His financial legacy will therefore be measured not only by his success in technology but also by how his resources are distributed through philanthropic work.
What Happens Next to Bill Gates’ Net Worth?
There is no confirmed future net worth figure for Bill Gates.
His estimated wealth will continue to fluctuate depending on market conditions and the performance of his investments.
Several developments will remain relevant:
- Microsoft share-price movements and company performance.
- Changes in Cascade Investment’s portfolio.
- Returns from private businesses and other investments.
- Future charitable contributions.
- Progress toward his 2045 philanthropic commitment.
- Changes in real estate and other asset valuations.
The Gates Foundation’s published plan provides a clear long-term direction, but the exact value of Gates’ remaining wealth in any future year remains uncertain.
For readers following billionaire rankings, Forbes’ real-time profile is a useful source for checking the latest estimate.
Final Verdict: How Much Is Bill Gates Worth in 2026?
As of November 5, 2026, Bill Gates’ estimated net worth is approximately $123 billion, according to Forbes.
He is ranked 17th among the world’s richest people.
His fortune was originally built through Microsoft, the technology company he co-founded with Paul Allen in 1975. Today, his financial interests extend across Cascade Investment, publicly traded companies, private businesses and other assets.
Gates has also donated substantial amounts of his wealth to charitable causes. Forbes reported that his contributions to the Gates Foundation exceeded $63.9 billion as of September 2026.
His announcement in May 2025 that he intends to give away virtually all his remaining wealth by 2045 represents a major shift in his financial priorities.
Ultimately, Bill Gates’ story is about more than becoming one of the world’s richest technology entrepreneurs. It is also about building an investment portfolio, supporting innovation and directing substantial financial resources toward global challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Bill Gates’ net worth in 2026?
Bill Gates’ net worth is estimated at approximately $123 billion as of November 5, 2026, according to Forbes. He ranks 17th on its real-time billionaire list.
2. How did Bill Gates become so rich?
Gates became wealthy by co-founding Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975. Microsoft’s success in operating systems, productivity software and enterprise technology created substantial value for its early shareholders.
3. How much does Bill Gates earn per year?
His exact current annual personal income is not publicly established. His wealth is connected to investments, dividends, business interests and asset appreciation rather than a conventional publicly disclosed salary.
4. Does Bill Gates still own Microsoft?
Yes. Forbes estimates that Gates’ direct Microsoft stake is now less than 1%. He donated billions of dollars in Microsoft shares to the trust supporting the Gates Foundation in 2022.
5. How much money has Bill Gates donated?
Forbes reported that Gates had donated more than $63.9 billion to the Gates Foundation as of September 2026. This is a reported personal contribution figure, separate from the foundation’s total charitable grantmaking.
6. Will Bill Gates give away all his money?
Gates announced in May 2025 that he intends to donate virtually all his remaining wealth over the following 20 years. His stated plan is connected to the Gates Foundation’s scheduled closure on December 31, 2045.
7. Who is richer, Bill Gates or Warren Buffett?
According to Forbes’ November 5, 2026 ranking, Warren Buffett’s estimated net worth was $165 billion, compared with Bill Gates’ $123 billion. Buffett was therefore approximately $42 billion wealthier in that snapshot.
8. How old is Bill Gates in 2026?
Bill Gates is 71 years old. He was born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, United States.
9. Who founded Microsoft with Bill Gates?
Paul Allen co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975. Allen passed away in October 2018.
10. What is Cascade Investment?
Cascade Investment is a private investment company associated with Bill Gates. It manages a diversified portfolio that includes publicly traded companies, private businesses and other assets.
11. Is Bill Gates the richest person in the world?
No. According to Forbes’ November 5, 2026 real-time ranking, Elon Musk was the world’s richest person, while Bill Gates ranked 17th.
12. When will the Gates Foundation close?
The Gates Foundation has announced that it plans to close permanently on December 31, 2045. The organization intends to accelerate its charitable work before that date.
