FIRE Number Calculator
How much do you need to retire early, and how long will it take?
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FIRE Number Calculator by TheCalcTools
How the FIRE Number Calculator works
Enter your expected yearly spending, a withdrawal rate, your current investments, yearly savings and a real return.
The FIRE number is spending divided by the withdrawal rate.
The calculator then finds the years of saving and growth needed to reach it.
The formula
Worked example
Using the default values shown in the calculator:
| Annual spending in retirement | $40000 |
|---|---|
| Withdrawal rate (%) | 4 % |
| Current investments | $100000 |
| Annual savings | $30000 |
| Real annual return (%) | 5 % |
- FIRE number = $40,000 ÷ 4% = $1,000,000, which is 25 times spending.
- Starting with $100,000 and saving $30,000 a year at 5% real, you reach it in about 16.9 years.
Result:
| FIRE number | $1,000,000 |
|---|---|
| Multiple of annual spending | 25.0 |
| Years to reach it | 16.9 |
Frequently asked questions
What is FIRE?
Financial Independence, Retire Early: building investments large enough that their income covers your spending.
Why use a real return?
A return after inflation lets you work in today’s money, so spending and the target stay comparable.
Sources and further reading
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This calculator gives estimates for information only. It is not financial advice, and your lender's or provider's figures will govern. Rates, fees and rules vary. See our disclaimer.