In 2025, the total amount of money in the world is estimated at $150 trillion USD based on the broadest definition of money (M3). The broadest estimates, including physical currency, bank deposits, and liquid assets (M3), put the total at approximately $150 trillion USD. This number grows to over $500 trillion USD when you include global assets like real estate, equities, and commodities.
So now you know how much money is in the world but how much is there in USD?
As of 2025, the total amount of money in the world is estimated at $150 trillion USD using the broadest measure (M3).
The estimated total amount of money in the world, depending on the definition used, is:
These numbers represent the different layers of liquidity in the global economy. The broader the measure (from M0 to M3), the more inclusive it is of assets considered “money.”
With a global population of approximately 8.1 billion in 2025, the average money per person depends on the money supply metric:
Note: These averages are purely mathematical. Wealth distribution is extremely uneven, with the top 10% of individuals owning over 70% of global wealth.
So, the article has mentioned M0, M1, M2, and M3 but what do these terms actually mean? Let’s break it down simply.
The global money supply is the total amount of money circulating in the world economy. It includes physical cash and various types of bank deposits. Economists categorize this money into different levels based on how easily it can be accessed or spent:
Each level helps economists measure how much money is actually available in the financial system from your wallet to global markets.
Each money supply term like M0, M1, M2, and M3 represents a different layer of liquidity, or how quickly money can be used for spending. We need these categories because not all money is equally available. Some money sits in savings or investments, while some is ready to be spent instantly.
Here’s how they differ:
Money Supply | What It Includes | Liquidity | Who Uses It |
M0 | Physical cash only (coins, notes) | Most liquid | Everyday people |
M1 | M0 + Checking accounts | Very liquid | Consumers and small businesses |
M2 | M1 + Savings accounts + Small deposits | Moderately liquid | Households, retail banks |
M3 | M2 + Large deposits + Institutional funds | Least liquid | Governments, big investors |
Why These Differences Matter:
So, in simple terms: the more “M” you add, the broader and less liquid the money becomes. M0 is your wallet, M3 is Wall Street.
Yes, M1 and M2 are both considered real money. M1 includes cash and money in checking accounts like funds you can use immediately. M2 includes M1 plus savings accounts and time deposits, the money you can access easily, but not typically used for daily spending.
An increase in money supply can stimulate economic growth if it matches productivity. When the money supply increases especially through central bank actions like printing money or lowering interest rates, it can have significant effects on the economy. The outcome depends on whether the increase in money matches economic productivity.
Short-Term Effects: Stimulates Growth
In the short run, more money in the economy means:
This is why central banks often increase the money supply during economic downturns to avoid recessions and keep the economy moving.
Medium-Term Effects: Risk of Inflation
If the money supply grows faster than the economy can produce goods and services, it leads to too much money chasing too few goods. This causes:
Long-Term Effects: Devaluation and Instability
If the increase continues unchecked over time:
Understanding what happens when the money supply increases helps you anticipate interest rate changes, inflation risks and investment opportunities or threats. Whether you’re trading forex or planning long-term investments, tracking central bank policies on money supply is crucial to staying ahead of market trends.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute, and should not be construed as, financial, investment, or other professional advice. No statement or opinion contained here in should be considered a recommendation by Ultima Markets or the author regarding any specific investment product, strategy, or transaction. Readers are advised not to rely solely on this material when making investment decisions and should seek independent advice where appropriate.