Comparing Elon Musk’s Likely $1 Trillion

We teach students to help audiences grasp large numbers, and Elon Musk’s wealth is a good example. What is the value of $1 trillion, a number Musk is estimated to hit in the next decade given his current $475 billion? How can we everyday people wrap around what this type of wealth?

One approach is to compare data to concrete purchases or costs. CNN provides a few examples, and students might identify their own:

• Every car sold in the United States in 2024

• Five times the total endowments of Ivy League universities

• Every house in Hawaii

Another approach is to create a visual. In this example, students might question the $100 bill and stack of bills, which are out of line with the other graphics. Also, this visual shows what $1 trillion looks like but not the value. Students will find other creative visualizations.

The exercise encourages students to put their own data into perspective. For example, tons of emissions, wasted food, corporate travel expenses, etc. The closer the comparisons are to the data point, the more reasonable—and the more likely the audience may be persuaded to, for example, upgrade computer systems instead of travel for in-person meetings.