What is a FIRE number?

Your FIRE number is the investment portfolio size needed to cover your annual expenses indefinitely. It's typically calculated as your annual expenses divided by your safe withdrawal rate. For example, with $40,000 in annual expenses and a 4% withdrawal rate, your FIRE number is $1,000,000.

What is the difference between Lean FIRE, FIRE, and Fat FIRE?

Lean FIRE covers only essential expenses (typically under $40k/year), standard FIRE covers your current lifestyle, and Fat FIRE provides for a more luxurious retirement (often $100k+/year). Each requires a different portfolio size based on your target spending.

Coast FIRE is the point where your existing investments will grow to your full FIRE number by retirement age without any additional contributions. Once you hit Coast FIRE, you only need to earn enough to cover current expenses — no more saving required.

Is the 4% rule still safe?

The 4% rule, based on the Trinity Study, has historically sustained a portfolio for 30 years in most market conditions. However, some experts now suggest 3.25-3.5% for longer retirements or conservative planning. Our calculator lets you stress-test different withdrawal rates.

Independence Planning

Financial Independence Calculator

Calculate how much you need to retire and when you can reach financial independence. Compare different withdrawal strategies side by side.

Your Path to Financial Independence

Financial independence is the point where your investments generate enough passive income to cover your living expenses. Your "FIRE number" is the portfolio size needed to reach this goal. The traditional calculation uses the Rule of 25: multiply your annual expenses by 25 to find your target (equivalent to a 4% withdrawal rate).

This calculator offers two strategies: SWR (Safe Withdrawal Rate) assumes you'll sell assets over time, typically withdrawing 3-4% annually. Yield-based targets dividend and interest income to cover expenses without selling principal. Each approach has tradeoffs in flexibility, required portfolio size, and risk profile.

The calculator also shows milestones along your journey: Coast FIRE (where your existing investments will grow to your goal without additional savings), Lean FIRE (covering basic expenses), and Fat FIRE (retiring with extra cushion). Track your progress against these waypoints as you build wealth.

Strategy Mode

Current Age

Retire Age

Desired Monthly (Net)

Current Assets

Annual Savings

Strategy Metrics

[Standard]

Est. Tax Liability

Withdrawal Rate (SWR)

Expected Market CAGR

Your FIRE Number

$1,704,545

The amount you need to retire using the SWR method.

Retirement Age

Age 49

Keep saving to reach your goal sooner.

Wealth Trail Projection

Your wealth growth over time

Starting Out

Coast FIRE

$617,806

Accumulating20%

$125,000 of $617,806

Stop saving—your money grows to your goal on its own.

Starting Out

Lean FIRE

$1,193,182

Accumulating10%

$125,000 of $1,193,182

Covers basic expenses only.

Starting Out

Full FIRE

$1,704,545

Accumulating7%

$125,000 of $1,704,545

Maintains your current lifestyle.

Starting Out

Fat FIRE

$2,556,818

Accumulating5%

$125,000 of $2,556,818

Retire with extra spending room.

Financial Independence Calculator

Your Path to Financial Independence

Strategy Mode

Strategy Metrics

Your FIRE Number

Retirement Age

Wealth Trail Projection

Coast FIRE

Lean FIRE

Full FIRE

Fat FIRE

Continue Your Journey

Retirement Withdrawal Calculator

Portfolio Income Estimator

Compound Interest Calculator