Coast FIRE Calculator
Calculate when you can stop saving for retirement and let compound interest do the work. Enter your numbers below to see your Coast FIRE status.
Example: A 30-year-old with $197k today coasts to $1.5M by 65 (7% real returns)
How Coast FIRE Works
Compound Interest
Einstein called it the 8th wonder of the world. See how your money grows exponentially over time.
The Coast Strategy
Once you hit your Coast number, you never 'need' to save for retirement again. Work for passion, not survival.
Your Freedom Date
Discover the exact age you can switch to part-time work or chase your dreams without financial anxiety.
Coast FIRE Numbers by Age (2026)
How much you need TODAY to coast to $1.5M by age 65 (assuming 7% real returns)
| Your Age | Years to 65 | Coast FIRE Number | Growth Multiple |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 25 | 40 years | $100,194 | 15.0× |
| Age 30 | 35 years | $140,512 | 10.7× |
| Age 35 | 30 years | $197,106 | 7.6× |
| Age 40 | 25 years | $276,405 | 5.4× |
| Age 45 | 20 years | $387,678 | 3.9× |
| Age 50 | 15 years | $543,703 | 2.8× |
| Age 55 | 10 years | $762,467 | 2.0× |
The Math: Coast FIRE Number = $1,500,000 ÷ (1.07)^years. Uses 7% real return (inflation-adjusted). A 25-year-old's $100k grows 15× because compound interest has 40 years to work. Each 5-year delay means needing ~40% more saved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coast FIRE?
Coast FIRE is when you have saved enough that compound interest will grow your investments to your retirement goal without additional contributions. You can "coast" - work a lower-paying job or part-time - since you no longer need to save. It's the point where time becomes your investment partner.
How do I calculate my Coast FIRE number?
The Coast FIRE formula: FI Number ÷ (1 + growth rate)^years until retirement. Example: You want $1.5M at 65, you're 35 today, using 7% real returns: $1,500,000 ÷ (1.07)^30 = $197,106 needed today. That's it. Save $197k, never contribute again, and compound interest does the rest.
What is a good Coast FIRE number by age?
Assuming $60k/year retirement spending ($1.5M FI number) and 7% real returns, retiring at 65: Age 25 = $147k, Age 30 = $197k, Age 35 = $276k, Age 40 = $388k, Age 45 = $544k, Age 50 = $764k. Each 5-year delay means you need ~40% more saved. Start early.
Should I use 7% or 10% returns for Coast FIRE?
7% is the inflation-adjusted (real) S&P 500 historical average—use this so your results are in "today's dollars" you can actually understand. 10% is the nominal return before inflation. Using 10% makes your number look smaller but it's in inflated future dollars. We recommend 7% (real) or 5-6% for conservative estimates.
How does a pension affect my Coast FIRE number?
A pension DRAMATICALLY reduces your Coast FIRE number. If you need $60k/year but have a $30k pension starting at 65, you only need your portfolio to generate $30k—cutting your FI number in half. Teachers, military, and government employees often reach Coast FIRE much sooner than they realize. Our calculator accounts for future income sources.
How is Coast FIRE different from Barista FIRE?
Key difference: With Coast FIRE, you DON'T touch your investments—you let them grow untouched until traditional retirement (65). You work to cover current expenses only. With Barista FIRE, you WITHDRAW from investments now while working part-time. Coast FIRE needs less upfront ($200-400k) but you work longer. Barista FIRE needs more ($500k-$1M) but you semi-retire sooner.
What happens after I reach Coast FIRE?
You can downshift: take a lower-paying job you enjoy, go part-time, change careers, or start a passion project. You only need to earn enough to cover current living expenses—not save for retirement. Many people find this removes the "golden handcuffs" and lets them escape toxic workplaces.
Can I reach Coast FIRE in my 20s or 30s?
Absolutely. With aggressive early saving, Coast FIRE by 30-35 is common. Example: Save $20k/year from 22-30 with 7% returns = ~$230k by age 30. That's enough to coast to $1.75M by 65. The math is simple: every $1 invested at 25 becomes $21 by 65. Front-load your savings when compound interest has maximum runway.
What is Coast FIRE for teachers?
Teachers often have defined benefit pensions that change the math dramatically. A teacher with a $35k/year pension at 62 needs their 401(k)/403(b) to cover far less. Plus, many teachers qualify for PSLF (student loan forgiveness). We have a dedicated Coast FIRE for Teachers calculator that factors in pension income.
Coast FIRE by Income
See how your salary affects your path to Coast FIRE.
Coast FIRE by Life Situation
Tailored advice for your specific circumstances.
Coast FIRE by Career
Career-specific guidance for your profession.
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Not financial advice. This calculator is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Results are estimates based on the inputs you provide and historical data. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personalized guidance. Read our editorial guidelines.