What is the FIRE number?

It is the portfolio size at which you can withdraw 4% per year to cover your expenses for ~30 years. FIRE number = annual expenses × 25. For 40,000 of expenses, you need 1,000,000.

Why does the calculator cap at 80 years?

Beyond 80 years of saving, the projection is unrealistic — either you have already FIRE'd, or your savings rate is too low to ever reach the target under the assumed return.

Should I use real or nominal returns?

Real (inflation-adjusted) returns are better for FIRE planning because they show whether your future purchasing power is sustainable. A 7% real return on a stock-heavy portfolio is a common historical assumption.

Does this include Social Security or pensions?

No. Reduce your projected annual expenses in retirement by any Social Security / pension income to approximate the net amount your portfolio must cover.

Finance Tools

FIRE Calculator

Project when you will reach Financial Independence / Retire Early (FIRE). The FIRE number is calculated as your annual expenses × 25 (the 4% safe withdrawal rule). See your year-by-year growth, the projected FIRE date and how close you are today.

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How to use

1
Enter your current age
Your age anchors the projection — the calculator tells you at what age you will hit your FIRE number.
2
Enter current savings and annual savings rate
Current savings is your investable net worth today; annual savings is what you add each year (use after-tax savings).
3
Set an expected annual return
Use a real (inflation-adjusted) return like 6–7% for a balanced stock/bond portfolio, or 4–5% for conservative projections.
4
Enter your annual retirement expenses
The FIRE number is calculated as annual expenses × 25 (the 4% safe withdrawal rule). Track the progress bar to see how close you are.

Common use cases

Project when you can retire early based on current savings and savings rate.
See how increasing your savings rate shortens years to FIRE.
Stress-test FIRE timing against conservative (4%) or aggressive (8%) return assumptions.
Compare LeanFIRE (lower expenses) vs FatFIRE (higher expenses) targets.

Limitations

This calculator produces an estimate only and is not professional financial, tax or investment advice. Always confirm the underlying formulae with your accountant, bank or financial advisor before making decisions.
The 4% rule (FIRE number = expenses × 25) is based on the Trinity Study for a 30-year retirement with a stock/bond portfolio. It is a rule of thumb, not a guarantee.
The model assumes a constant annual return. Real returns fluctuate year to year (sequence-of-returns risk is not modelled).
Taxes on withdrawals, healthcare costs, inflation and Social Security / pension income are not included.
Contributions are treated as a lump at year-end; monthly contributions would compound slightly faster.

Frequently asked questions

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Loading FIRE Calculator…

How to use

Enter your current age

Your age anchors the projection — the calculator tells you at what age you will hit your FIRE number.

Enter current savings and annual savings rate

Current savings is your investable net worth today; annual savings is what you add each year (use after-tax savings).

Set an expected annual return

Use a real (inflation-adjusted) return like 6–7% for a balanced stock/bond portfolio, or 4–5% for conservative projections.

Enter your annual retirement expenses

The FIRE number is calculated as annual expenses × 25 (the 4% safe withdrawal rule). Track the progress bar to see how close you are.

Limitations

This calculator produces an estimate only and is not professional financial, tax or investment advice. Always confirm the underlying formulae with your accountant, bank or financial advisor before making decisions.
The 4% rule (FIRE number = expenses × 25) is based on the Trinity Study for a 30-year retirement with a stock/bond portfolio. It is a rule of thumb, not a guarantee.
The model assumes a constant annual return. Real returns fluctuate year to year (sequence-of-returns risk is not modelled).
Taxes on withdrawals, healthcare costs, inflation and Social Security / pension income are not included.
Contributions are treated as a lump at year-end; monthly contributions would compound slightly faster.