FIRE Calculator — Early Retirement
Calculate your FIRE number — the portfolio size needed to retire early. Based on the 4% safe withdrawal rule. Find your years to financial independence based on savings and expected returns.
🏁 FIRE💰 FIRE Number = Annual Expenses × 25
Target annual expenses in retirement ($)
Current portfolio value ($)
Annual savings / contributions ($)
Expected annual return (%)
Please enter valid values.
Formula & Reference
| Variable | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FIRE Calculator — Early Retirement | FIRE Number = Annual Expenses × 25 | portfolio target |
Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1
Classic FIRE
$48k/yr expenses, $150k saved, $30k/yr savings, 7% return.
- FIRE number: $1,200,000
- Years: ~16.8
✓ ~17 years to FIRE
Example 2
Lean FIRE
$30k/yr expenses, $50k saved, $25k/yr savings, 7%.
- FIRE number: $750,000
- Years: ~17 years
- Lower expenses = lower target = faster path
✓ ~17 years to Lean FIRE at $750k
Example 3
Fat FIRE
$100k/yr expenses, $500k saved, $80k/yr savings, 7%.
- FIRE number: $2,500,000
- Years: ~14 years
- Higher savings compensates for higher target
✓ ~14 years to Fat FIRE at $2.5M
Real-World Applications
FIRE Movement
The foundational calculation for financial independence and early retirement.
Portfolio Planning
Defines exactly how large a portfolio must be to sustain early retirement.
Progress Tracking
Track toward FIRE number as a concrete annual milestone.
Life Planning
A specific number for career and lifestyle decisions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️
Using 4% rule for 50-year retirements
4% was designed for 30 years. For 40–50-year early retirements, many use 3–3.5% (28–33× expenses).
⚠️
Ignoring taxes on withdrawals
Traditional 401k/IRA withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income. Factor in retirement tax rate.
⚠️
Overlooking sequence-of-returns risk
Poor early retirement market returns are especially damaging. A cash buffer or flexible spending strategy helps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 4% rule? ▾
From the Trinity Study: a portfolio withdrawing 4% per year survived all 30-year periods since 1926.
FIRE variants? ▾
Lean FIRE: frugal ~$25–40k/yr. Fat FIRE: comfortable $80k+/yr. Barista FIRE: part-time work for extras.
Is 4% still valid? ▾
Debated — some recommend 3–3.5% for early retirees. Many use 25–33× as a range.
How does Social Security fit in? ▾
SS reduces the portfolio withdrawal needed after 62–67. Adjust expenses downward when SS starts.
Healthcare before Medicare at 65? ▾
ACA marketplace can be subsidized if income is managed strategically — a key early-retirement planning consideration.