Coast FIRE Calculator (Free, 2026)
Calculate when you can stop saving for retirement and let compound interest do the work. Your Coast FIRE number depends on your target retirement nest egg, which is shaped by your chosen safe withdrawal rate.
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× |
How to read this: Each row shows how much you'd need invested today to reach $1.5M by 65 at 7% real (inflation-adjusted) returns. 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. See the formula for the equation and worked examples.
What is Coast FIRE?
Coast FIRE (also called Coast FI) is the point where you have saved enough in retirement accounts that compound interest alone will grow your portfolio to your full retirement number by age 65 — without any additional contributions. Once you reach Coast FIRE, you only need to earn enough to cover your current living expenses. You no longer need to save for retirement.
The math is straightforward present-value compounding. For the equation, step-by-step worked examples, and a lookup table by age, see our Coast FIRE formula breakdown.
Coast FIRE differs from traditional FIRE in one key way: you continue working, but you choose jobs based on fulfillment rather than salary. A software engineer earning $150,000 might switch to teaching yoga or working at a national park — any job that covers rent, food, and health insurance. The psychological shift is significant: work becomes optional rather than obligatory.
The biggest risk in Coast FIRE is sequence of returns. If the market drops 40% early in your coast period, your timeline extends significantly. Most Coast FIRE practitioners build a 10-20% buffer above their calculated number to absorb volatility. Learn more about managing this risk in our safe withdrawal rate guide.
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?
Use the calculator above. Enter your current age, target retirement age, expected return rate, and your FI Number — it computes your Coast FIRE number instantly and shows year-by-year growth projections. Want to see the math by hand? Read our Coast FIRE formula breakdown for the equation, step-by-step worked examples, and a reference table.
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.
Explore Other FIRE Strategies
Withdrawal & Retirement Planning
Once you reach Coast FIRE, your next step is planning how to withdraw from your portfolio. Your Coast FIRE number depends on your safe withdrawal rate assumption — most calculations use the 4% rule, but newer research suggests dynamic strategies may work better.
4% Rule Calculator
Test if your retirement portfolio can sustain your lifestyle using the 4% rule.
Withdrawal Strategy Comparison
Compare retirement withdrawal strategies: 4% Rule vs Guyton-Klinger vs VPW.
Safe Withdrawal Rate Guide
Deep dive into safe withdrawal rates for early retirees, with 2026 research.
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.