Financial Independence (FIRE) Calculator
Find your FIRE number from annual spending, see how far along you are, and estimate the years left to reach financial independence.
How it works
FIRE number = annual spending ÷ withdrawal rate · Years to reach = solve FV of savings = FIRE number
Financial independence means your portfolio can fund your lifestyle indefinitely. The FIRE number is the multiple of annual spending that supports a chosen withdrawal rate — a 4% rate implies 25× spending. Lowering your spending cuts the target twice over: it shrinks the numerator and, because you also need to save less, it pulls your finish line dramatically closer.
Worked example
Spending $40,000 a year at a 4% withdrawal rate needs 40,000 ÷ 0.04 = $1,000,000. With $120,000 already invested and $2,000 added monthly at a 5% real return, that target is reached in roughly 17 years.
Frequently asked questions
What is a FIRE number?
It is the portfolio size that lets you retire on withdrawals alone. At a 4% safe withdrawal rate it equals 25 times your annual spending; at 3.5% it is about 28.5 times. It is driven by how much you spend, not how much you earn.
Why does the withdrawal rate matter so much?
The rate is the inverse of your target multiple. Dropping from 4% to 3% raises the FIRE number from 25× to 33× spending — a third larger — which is why conservative retirees who fear long retirements aim lower.
Should I use real or nominal returns?
Use a real (after-inflation) return so your FIRE number stays in today’s dollars. A common assumption is 5% real for a stock-heavy portfolio, though history shows wide variation, so treat the timeline as an estimate.
Related calculators
Educational estimate, not financial or tax advice. Rules and limits change — confirm current figures with a qualified advisor.