Bill Gates Net Worth 2025

Bill Gates, the famous founder of Microsoft and philanthropist, is still one of the world's most well-known billionaires. The Bloomberg Billionaires Index says that his estimated net worth is now about US$168 billion. Forbes, on the other hand, thinks the number will be a little lower, around US$108–116 billion in 2025.

This shows us that exact numbers for net worth are always a little off: asset values change, private holdings may not be fully disclosed, and charitable donations make it hard to count "wealth" in a straightforward way.

The Origin: From Microsoft to Multi‑Holdings

In 1975, when Gates and his friend Paul Allen were still teenagers interested in computers, they started Microsoft together. Gates owned a large part of the company when it went public in 1986. Over time, he became one of the richest people in the world.

Gates's personal wealth grew as Microsoft grew. In the past, he worked at Microsoft as CEO, chief software architect, and chairman. He then left to focus more on charity work. His wealth is still mostly tied to Microsoft shares and the company's success, but he has also made other investments through his private investment vehicle, Cascade Investment, and others.

Year‑by‑Year Estimates

Why the Variation? What’s Driving His Wealth Up & Down

Many things affect Gates's net worth:

• Microsoft stock changes: As a former major shareholder (though he has sold or pledged most of his stake), the company's performance affects his wealth.
• Investments outside of Microsoft: His holdings in real estate, energy, logistics (like the Canadian National Railway), and other areas help.
• Philanthropic giving: Gates plans to give away a lot of his money, which means that some of his wealth is no longer "under his control," which could lower his ranking among billionaires.
• How rankings work: Different news organizations, like Bloomberg and Forbes, use different methods and update at different times. This means that two sources may report very different numbers for the same person at almost the same time.

Philanthropy & the Role of the Gates Foundation

Bill Gates has been clear for a long time that his goal is more than just getting rich. He and his then-wife Melinda French Gates (formerly Melinda Gates) started the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which is one of the most powerful charities in the world.

He has said publicly that he wants to "give away virtually the vast majority" of his net worth. He says that as long as there are urgent global problems to solve, it doesn't make sense to "hold onto resources that could be used to help people."

Gates said in May 2025 that he would speed up his plan to give away most of his money and that the foundation would close by 2045.

The Big Numbers & Some Milestones

• In 1999, Gates became the first centibillionaire, which means he had more than US$100 billion in net worth.
• According to the most recent information, his net worth in 2025 is thought to be between US$108 billion and US$168 billion, depending on the source.
• He has given away tens of billions of dollars through the foundation and other means. This makes him not only one of the richest people but also one of the most charitable.
• Melinda French Gates, his ex-wife, is still a major figure and does charitable work.
• Steve Ballmer, who used to work with him and is now the CEO of Microsoft, is also one of the richest people in the world. This shows how Microsoft's influence goes beyond just one person.

Why This Matters — Beyond the Number

The precise amount of "net worth" is not as significant as its implications: substantial wealth denotes considerable potential influence, responsibility, and matters of public interest. Gates has said in public that he doesn't want to be known just as the richest man in the world. Instead, he wants to be known as someone who used his money to help solve big problems.

“There are too many urgent problems to solve for me to hold onto resources that could be used to help people.”

His philanthropic orientation prompts contemplation: What actions does an individual take with tens of billions of dollars? How does that money affect corporate power, public policy, innovation, global health, climate, and inequality?

Also, for those who follow the tech industry, Gates's story shows us that being rich from a tech company (Microsoft) doesn't mean you'll always be at the top of the wealth rankings. Markets change, new companies rise, and wealth is always changing.

Looking Ahead: What to Watch

• What will happen to his investments, especially those that aren't in Microsoft?
• How will his charitable giving (both in terms of amount and strategy) affect his "net worth" and power?
• How will changes in technology, rules, taxes, and the world economy affect his place among the richest people in the world?
• What will the Gates Foundation and his plans for giving (for example, ending by 2045) leave behind?
• How will new technologies like AI, the cloud, and biotech change the list of billionaires and where Gates fits into that picture?

Elisabeth McGowan

A freelance writer passionate about celebrities, net worth stories, athletes, and political figures. She transforms facts into engaging narratives. A true cheese lover and cycling enthusiast, she finds inspiration in motion and flavor.