Abstract Background Understanding the prevalence of Barrett’s esophagus is essential for developing appropriate screening protocols. In this study, we aimed to integrate the available data, identify the prevalence of Barrett’s esophagus, and analyze the variability among the results. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted across three primary databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering the period from 1990 to 2024. In addition, a manual review of all full-text articles and significant reviews was performed to identify further relevant studies. Results Out of a total of 12,903 studies, 111 were selected for inclusion in the analysis. In the general population, the estimated prevalence of endoscopic suspicion for Barrett’s esophagus was found to be 3.92% for any length with histological confirmation of intestinal metaplasia (95% confidence interval: 0.85–1.07), Among patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, the estimated prevalence under the same criteria was (a) 7.21% (95% confidence interval: 5.61–8.81). Our forecasting study suggests that the incidence (per 100,000 persons) of Barrett’s esophagus will increase from 3.92 in 2024 to 5.86 in 2050, which corresponds to an 49% increase over the course of 26 years (1.8% per year, 95% CI: −2.3% to 9.1%). The prevalence of Barrett’s esophagus was significantly affected by factors such as the time period, geographical region, definition of Barrett’s esophagus, adherence to the Seattle protocol, and the design of the studies. A notable gradient was observed from East to West and North to South, with limited data available for several countries. Additionally, there was considerable heterogeneity among the studies. Conclusion It is essential to reevaluate the actual prevalence of Barrett’s esophagus in accordance with contemporary guidelines across different countries. Understanding the accurate prevalence of this condition would enable the implementation of varied approaches, ranging from educational initiatives to screening program Keywords: Barrett’s esophagus, epidemiology, prevalence, worldwide, Barrett metaplasia