Who said “I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.”?

Misattributed

Not Thomas J. Watson. It's commonly credited to them, but the evidence shows it isn't theirs.

What the research foundNot by Thomas J. Watson. Earliest known source: No evidence either Watson said it; likely a misreading of a 1953 remark.

Evidence: Quote Investigator · Wikiquote · How we check

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“I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.”
MisattributedNot by Thomas J. Watson. Earliest known source: No evidence either Watson said it; likely a misreading of a 1953 remark. · evidenceComputers

Cite this quote

APA

“I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.” [Quotation attributed to Thomas J. Watson]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/10981-i-think-there-is-a-world-market-for/

MLA

“I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.” Attributed to Thomas J. Watson. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/10981-i-think-there-is-a-world-market-for/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.” Attributed to Thomas J. Watson. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/10981-i-think-there-is-a-world-market-for/.