Bill Gates is an American businessman, author, and philanthropist who became famous as the cofounder of Microsoft. His work helped shape the personal computer industry. He later turned much of his attention toward global health, education, and clean energy.
His latest available net worth estimate is $113.9 billion, dated October 1, 2026. A confirmed 2027 estimate is not yet available because this article was researched before that year began. The figure below therefore remains a dated estimate rather than a prediction.
Bill Gates Biography Facts
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | William Henry Gates III |
| Known as | Bill Gates |
| Date of birth | October 28, 1955 |
| Birthplace | Seattle, Washington, United States |
| Age during 2027 | 71 until October 27; turns 72 on October 28 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Businessman, investor, author, philanthropist |
| Famous for | Cofounding Microsoft with Paul Allen |
| Education | Attended Harvard University |
| Reported height | 177 cm, approximately 5 feet 9¾ inches |
| Latest available net worth | Estimated $113.9 billion on October 1, 2026 |
| Confirmed 2027 net worth | Not yet available |
| Last verified marital status | Divorced |
| Former wife | Melinda French Gates |
| Children | Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe Gates |
Who Is Bill Gates?
Bill Gates is best known for building Microsoft alongside his childhood friend, Paul Allen. The two started the company in 1975, developing software for the emerging personal computer market. Microsoft became the central business behind Gates’s early financial success.
His public career now extends beyond software. Through the Gates Foundation and other organizations, he supports work involving health, scientific research, and energy innovation. These activities form a major part of his life after daily Microsoft management.
Bill Gates Early Life and Family Background
Childhood in Seattle
Gates was born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington. His father, William H. Gates Sr., was an attorney and civic leader. His mother, Mary Gates, worked as a schoolteacher and held several community leadership positions.
He grew up with two sisters and developed an interest in computers during his school years. At Lakeside School, he met Paul Allen. Their friendship later became the partnership that launched Microsoft.
Education at Harvard
Gates entered Harvard University in 1973. Before arriving, he already had experience selling programming services with fellow computer enthusiasts. His interest in software continued while he attended university.
He left Harvard during his junior year to focus on Microsoft. Although he did not complete an undergraduate degree, Harvard awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2007. He returned that year to deliver a commencement address.
Bill Gates Career Journey
Beginning of Microsoft
The early Microsoft story began with the Altair 8800 computer. Gates and Allen recognized an opportunity to develop BASIC software for it. Their work became the starting point for the company they established in 1975.
This period also marked Gates’s move from university life into business. His programming background and partnership with Allen gave the company its early direction. Software remained the focus as the personal computer market expanded.
Microsoft Goes Public
Microsoft entered the stock market on March 13, 1986. Its initial offering price was $21 per share. The public listing became an important financial milestone for the business and its shareholders.
Gates first appeared on a major billionaire list in 1987. His fortune grew from his ownership in Microsoft as the company expanded. Later investments and charitable donations changed the composition of his wealth.
Transition Toward Philanthropy
Gates moved away from his daily Microsoft responsibilities on June 27, 2008. The change allowed him to spend more time on foundation activities. He later left Microsoft’s board in March 2020.
These were separate stages in his transition. His connection with Microsoft remained part of his identity, while his public priorities increasingly involved health, development, and climate issues.
Bill Gates Net Worth and Financial Interests
Latest Available Wealth Estimate
The latest retrieved estimate places Gates’s personal fortune at $113.9 billion as of October 1, 2026. This amount should not be relabeled as a confirmed 2027 valuation. His eventual 2027 wealth will depend on asset values, transactions, and charitable transfers.
Microsoft was the original source of his fortune. However, his estimated remaining stake is below 1%, following substantial donations of company shares. His finances therefore cannot be explained by Microsoft ownership alone.
Investments and Business Holdings
Gates also holds financial interests through Cascade Investment. Public regulatory records identify him as its sole member. They document Cascade’s involvement in Deere ownership without providing a complete inventory of his personal assets.
His broader business activities include support for energy innovation. Some ventures remain privately held, so reliable personal valuations are not always available. Their presence in his portfolio does not establish a fixed annual income.
Wealth and Charitable Giving
Gates’s donations affect how much wealth remains in his personal ownership. Investment growth can move the total in the opposite direction. This makes his financial position more complex than a simple accumulation of earnings.
The foundation’s resources are separate from his personal fortune. He receives no salary as its chair and does not personally profit from its charitable activities. Its investment returns help support the organization’s work.
Bill Gates Philanthropy
Gates Foundation Work
Bill and Melinda established their foundation in 2000. Its work addresses global health, poverty, and education. Gates serves as chair and helps guide its strategies and partnerships.
The organization supports research and programs rather than functioning as a personal business. Its charitable funding reaches partner organizations working on specific health and development challenges.
Giving Pledge and Future Plans
In 2010, Gates, Melinda French Gates, and Warren Buffett founded the Giving Pledge. The initiative encourages wealthy people to commit more than half their fortunes to philanthropy.
In May 2025, Gates announced plans to give virtually all his remaining wealth to the foundation. Its planned closing date is December 31, 2045. These commitments describe future plans rather than completed donations.
Bill Gates Age and Height
How Old Will Bill Gates Be in 2027?
Gates will be 71 at the beginning of 2027. He turns 72 on October 28, 2027. Both ages are correct for different periods of the year, based on his October 28, 1955 birthday.
How Tall Is Bill Gates?
His reported height is 177 centimeters, equivalent to approximately 5 feet 9¾ inches. This comes from a public biographical listing. It is a reported measurement, with no independently verified physical measurement established by the reviewed material.
Bill Gates Wife and Personal Life
Marriage to Melinda French Gates
Gates married Melinda French Gates on January 1, 1994. They remained married for approximately 27 years. Their divorce was finalized on August 2, 2021, and they share three children.
His latest reviewed marital status is divorced. No later marriage was established in the available sources. His relationship status during 2027 cannot yet be confirmed.
Relationship With Paula Hurd
Gates publicly discussed his relationship with Paula Hurd in February 2025. During a television interview, he described her as a serious girlfriend. The statement confirmed their relationship at that time.
Paula should not be introduced as his wife. Public acknowledgment of a relationship does not establish marriage or confirm future circumstances.
Bill Gates Children
Gates and Melinda have two daughters and one son. Their names are Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe. The children were born between 1996 and 2002.
| Child | Birth year |
|---|---|
| Jennifer Gates | 1996 |
| Rory Gates | 1999 |
| Phoebe Gates | 2002 |
Other Projects and Books
Clean Energy Interests
Gates founded Breakthrough Energy in 2015 to support clean technology. He also founded TerraPower, which develops nuclear energy technologies. These ventures connect his technology background with his interest in energy challenges.
Source Code Memoir
His memoir, Source Code: My Beginnings, was published in 2025. It covers his childhood and experiences leading toward Microsoft. The book presents a personal account of his early life rather than his entire career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Bill Gates’s Net Worth in 2027?
A confirmed 2027 figure is not yet available. The latest reviewed estimate is $113.9 billion on October 1, 2026.
What Is Bill Gates’s Real Name?
His full name is William Henry Gates III.
How Old Is Bill Gates in 2027?
He is 71 until October 27, then turns 72 on October 28.
Who Was Bill Gates Married To?
His former wife is Melinda French Gates. Their marriage lasted from 1994 until 2021.
Does Bill Gates Still Run Microsoft?
He left daily management in 2008 and stepped down from its board in 2020.
