Berkshire Hathaway Class A (BRK.A) and Class B (BRK.B) shares represent ownership in the same company, but they differ in voting power, distribution rights, conversion options, and per-share price. Class A carries greater rights per share and can be converted into 1,500 Class B shares; Class B costs far less per share but cannot be converted into Class A. For many investors making a smaller purchase, B is the more practical class to compare, while A may matter to someone who specifically values its stronger vote and conversion option.
What is the difference between Berkshire Class A and Class B shares?
The key difference is that the two classes divide economic rights and votes differently. Berkshire’s 2025 Form 10-K says each B share has 1/1,500 of the dividend and distribution rights of an A share, but just 1/10,000 of its voting rights. Both are common stock in Berkshire Hathaway and trade on the NYSE as BRK.A and BRK.B.
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| Feature | Class A (BRK.A) | Class B (BRK.B) |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend and distribution rights per share | Reference amount | 1/1,500 of Class A |
| Votes per share | 1 | 1/10,000 of a Class A vote |
| Conversion | Holder may convert one A share into 1,500 B shares | Cannot be converted into A shares |
| Per-share cost consideration | Very high per-share price | Much lower per-share price |
The classes ordinarily vote as a single class, unless Delaware law requires otherwise. The vote difference remains meaningful when comparing economically equivalent holdings: 1,500 B shares have 0.15 of a vote in total, compared with one vote for one A share.
How many B shares equal one A share?
For dividend and distribution rights, 1,500 B shares equal one A share. Berkshire’s filing states: “Each share of Class A common stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into 1,500 shares of Class B common stock. Class B common stock is not convertible into Class A common stock.” See Berkshire Hathaway’s 2025 Form 10-K, Note 16.
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This is a one-way conversion right, not a two-way exchange. A holder can convert A into 1,500 B shares, but owning 1,500 B shares does not create a right to convert them into A.
Do Berkshire B shares have voting rights?
Yes. A B share has 1/10,000 of the vote attached to an A share. Berkshire’s 2025 Form 10-K states: “Each Class B common share possesses voting rights equal to one-ten-thousandth (1/10,000) of the voting rights of a Class A share.” The company’s 2025 proxy describes the voting mechanics and the classes’ general treatment as a single class, subject to applicable law.
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Because the vote is much smaller per B share, compare the number of shares and the economic interest involved rather than assuming that 1,500 B shares match A in voting power. They match A in dividend and distribution rights, not in votes.
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At the October 2, 2026 regular-session close, BRK.A was $754,790 and BRK.B was $502.65. Dividing the A closing price by 1,500 gives about $503.19, so the B close was close to, but not exactly, that mechanical ratio on that date. These are historical closing prices, not live quotes or a guarantee of the price available through a broker when an order is placed.
Prices change during trading. Check a current quote through your brokerage before deciding how many shares to buy; whether fractional shares, particular order types, or other trading features are available depends on the provider and account.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should I buy BRK.A or BRK.B?
Choose by the feature you actually need, not just the class label. The share class does not change the underlying issuer exposure: both represent interests in Berkshire Hathaway.
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- Consider BRK.B if the much lower per-share price better fits the amount you plan to invest and the smaller vote per share is acceptable to you.
- Consider BRK.A if you specifically value one vote per share or want the holder’s option to convert A into 1,500 B shares.
- Check your broker for current quotes, account eligibility, fees, fractional-share availability, and order features. Those details vary by provider and jurisdiction.
Neither the share class nor its past performance establishes whether the stock is suitable for your circumstances. Berkshire’s 2025 annual report reported compound annual gains of 19.7% for Berkshire shares and 10.5% for the S&P 500 over 1965–2025. Those are historical figures published by Berkshire, not forecasts or guarantees of future returns.
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