FIRE calculator
The capital you need — and in how many years.
- Instant
- Free
- Private (processed locally)
- No sign-up
Your freedom has a price — compute it
Financial independence is not a lottery: it is an equation with three variables — your expenses, your savings, your return. Enter them: the tool shows your FIRE number (target capital) and the years to reach it, recomputed with every slider.
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Expenses first
THE master variable: every dollar of monthly spending removed cuts the target capital by $300 (at 4%).
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Withdrawal rate
4% is the classic; 3.5% or 3% for a very long retirement or extra caution.
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Your trajectory
Current capital + monthly savings + return: the simulation gives the arrival year.
FIRE number by expenses (at 4%)
| Monthly expenses | Annual expenses | Target capital |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500 | $18,000 | $450,000 |
| $2,000 | $24,000 | $600,000 |
| $3,000 | $36,000 | $900,000 |
| $4,000 | $48,000 | $1,200,000 |
The 4% rule comes from studies of 20th-century US markets: a robust landmark, not a guarantee. Diversification, withdrawal flexibility and a safety margin remain your best allies. This is not investment advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 4% rule?
Born from the Trinity study (1998), it observes that a diversified portfolio has historically sustained an annual withdrawal of 4% of its initial value, inflation-adjusted, for 30 years with a high success rate. Hence the formula: target capital = annual expenses × 25.
Why is my “FIRE number” 25 times my expenses?
Because 1 ÷ 4% = 25. With $2,000 of monthly expenses ($24,000/year), you need $600,000. A more cautious 3.5% withdrawal rate raises the multiple to about 28.6; 3% to 33.3.
Is the years calculation reliable?
It is a constant-return simulation — reality will be messier. It still shows the right order of magnitude and above all the sensitivity to parameters: saving more accelerates far more than chasing higher returns.
Does FIRE mean quitting work?
Not necessarily: FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) spans variants — Lean FIRE (frugal), Fat FIRE (comfortable), Barista FIRE (chosen part-time), Coast FIRE (let it compound). The common point: work becomes a choice, not an obligation.