Gmail stats are few and far between, but here are some recent ones.
Growth in the e-mail category was driven largely by the rapid adoption of Google Gmail, which was up 71 percent to 60 million visitors year- over-year.
Based on Google Operating System stats, here is how they stack up with the competition. Also note from same source, paid Gmail is coming soon, with over 6 gigs available. If its non-beta, I will take it. Anyhow, here are the stats:
| Users (millions) | |
| Gmail |
60 |
| Hotmail (Live mail) |
236 |
| Yahoo |
249 |
Personal note: given how much the two biggies are slow, ponderous, and weak in functionality, these stats are a testament to how people will put up with mediocrity, because of comfort zone.
Nonetheless, Gmail is doing well from a standing start, April 2004.
Bankwatch 
I also think Gmails numbers are lower because up until yesterday it was invite only. Gmail is only 3 yrs old but already has 1/4 the number of users Hotmail(LiveMail) does which is almost 11 yrs old (July 1996).
Duarte .. thats true, but getting mainstream users to switch might be harder.
I agree that it’s partly comfort, but it’s also familiarity. Everyone knows who Microsoft is; most people who use email know who Yahoo is. Mention gmail to a non-techie email user and you’ll get a blank look. Those people would never think to look for gmail, nor would they sign up for it unless it came strongly recommended.
Can you tell I’ve had this conversation with my mother? 🙂
Personally I think it’s amazing that Gmail already has numbers that high.