Amid which players/holders is the "float" of a stock contained? that is...?

Question

In other words, is there some "vault" of a companies stock that has yet been absorbed by buyers (but can be absorbed)?

I'm just a bit confused as to which stocks of a company can trade freely (float) and which stocks can't.

I'd really appreciate if someone can clarify my confusion. Thanks!

Answer 1

The float consists of the shares of stock that can generally be traded by the public.

What isn't included in the float is shares owned by the bigwigs in the company, or shares that have been closely held by a family that may have even founded the company. These shares are generally held on to for years or decades, and aren't available to the public.

But if someone like Bill Gates sells some of his shares, what once were NOT a part of the float then become a part of the float.

The concept of float is imporant in chases in which a few insiders may hold large blocks of stock.