Benjamin Gibbard was born in Bremerton, Washington, to Allen and Margaret Gibbard. His father's career in the Navy led the family to move around the country, including a period in Northern Virginia, before they eventually returned to Washington.

Gibbard graduated from Olympic High School in Bremerton, Washington, in 1994. He then pursued higher education at Western Washington University, where he studied environmental chemistry.

While playing guitar in the band Pinwheel, Gibbard recorded a demo cassette under the moniker Death Cab for Cutie, titled You Can Play These Songs with Chords.

Following a positive response to his demo cassette, You Can Play These Songs with Chords, Gibbard expanded Death Cab for Cutie into a full band. He was joined by guitarist Chris Walla, bassist Nick Harmer, and drummer Nathan Good.

Death Cab for Cutie released their debut album, Something About Airplanes, on Barsuk Records, marking a significant step in their early career.

Gibbard's band, ¡All-Time Quarterback!, released their self-titled EP.

¡All-Time Quarterback!, released The Envelope Sessions.

Death Cab for Cutie released their follow-up album, We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes.

Death Cab for Cutie released The Photo Album.

Gibbard released a split LP with Andrew Kenny, titled Home Volume V.

Death Cab for Cutie released Transatlanticism.

The Postal Service, with Gibbard as a member, released Give Up.

Gibbard was featured on Styrofoam's album Nothing's Lost, on the song "Couches In Alleys".

Death Cab for Cutie released Plans.

Gibbard completed a solo tour through the US, featuring David Bazan of Pedro the Lion and singer-songwriter Johnathan Rice.

Gibbard made a guest appearance on Sun Kil Moon's third studio album, April.

Gibbard and Steve Fisk released Kurt Cobain About a Son: Original Score.

Death Cab for Cutie released Narrow Stairs.

Gibbard became engaged to Zooey Deschanel.

Gibbard and Jay Farrar released a collaborative studio album, One Fast Move or I'm Gone.

Gibbard married actress and musician Zooey Deschanel near Seattle.

Death Cab for Cutie released Codes and Keys.

Gibbard and Zooey Deschanel announced their separation.

Gibbard released his debut solo album, Former Lives.

Gibbard honored Ichiro Suzuki, who was traded to the New York Yankees, by writing and releasing the song "Ichiro's Theme."

Gibbard's divorce from Zooey Deschanel was finalized.

Zooey Deschanel filed for divorce from Gibbard, citing irreconcilable differences.

Gibbard ran his first trail ultramarathon.

Sun Kil Moon released the song "Ben's My Friend" on their sixth studio album, Benji, referencing Gibbard.

Gibbard appeared as a guest on Foo Fighters' eighth studio album Sonic Highways.

Death Cab for Cutie released Kintsugi.

Mark Kozelek again refers to his friendship with Gibbard on Sun Kil Moon's album, Universal Themes, on its closing track, "This Is My First Day and I'm Indian and I Work at a Gas Station".

Gibbard wrote "Me & Magdalena" for the Monkees' album Good Times!.

Death Cab for Cutie released "Million Dollar Loan", the first song in the Dave Eggers project, 30 Days, 50 Songs, which satirizes Donald Trump.

Gibbard married photographer and tour manager Rachel Demy in Seattle.

Gibbard released Bandwagonesque, a cover of Teenage Fanclub's album of the same name.

Death Cab for Cutie released Thank You for Today.

Gibbard was featured on Chance the Rapper's album The Big Day, on the song "Do You Remember".

Gibbard was featured on the Chong the Nomad's EP A Long Walk, on the song "Provider".

Fender announced the Ben Gibbard Mustang as part of their Artist Signature series, designed to Ben's specifications and inspired by the 1970s Mustangs he uses on tour.

Death Cab for Cutie released Asphalt Meadows.

Gibbard was featured on Noah Cyrus' album The Hardest Part, on the song "Every Beginning Ends".

Gibbard performed the national anthem at the Seattle Mariners' Opening Day game at T-Mobile Park.