FIRE Calculator

FIRE Calculator Guide

What FIRE Means

FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) aims to accumulate enough wealth for investments to cover annual spending without relying on a salary. The common 25× rule says you need roughly 25 times annual expenses — equivalent to withdrawing ~4% per year.

This calculator estimates your FIRE number, how many years remain at your current savings and investment rate, and the gap between today's net worth and that target. It is a compass, not a contract: many in the FIRE movement keep working part-time or adjust spending over time.

Key Variables

Annual expenses define the FIRE number: if you spend $50,000/year, the target is ≈ $1.25M. Annual savings and return rate determine speed. Raising savings rate (spending less or earning more net) usually shortens years more than chasing extreme returns.

Enter current net worth to measure real progress. If you are just starting, the gap can look huge; compound interest and salary raises change the curve over time. Use the salary growth simulator to see how future income feeds savings.

Variants and Limits

Lean FIRE targets minimal spending; Fat FIRE allows a broader lifestyle. Coast FIRE means saving enough early for compound growth alone to reach traditional retirement — a different goal and different calculator.

This does not include Social Security, healthcare before Medicare, or taxes on withdrawals. For real purchasing power, adjust expenses for future inflation or use more conservative return rates.