FIRE Number Calculator
How much do you need to retire early? Calculate your FIRE number - the magic number that means you never have to work again.
Calculate Your FIRE NumberFree. No signup required.
What is a FIRE Number?
Your FIRE number is the amount of money you need invested to achieve Financial Independence and Retire Early. Once you reach this number, your investments generate enough returns to cover your living expenses - forever.
Think of it as your "freedom number" - the point where work becomes optional. You can keep working if you enjoy it, but you don't have to.
Your Target
A concrete goal to work toward. No more vague 'save for retirement' - know your exact number.
Based on Math
Calculated using the proven 4% rule from the Trinity Study. Not guesswork.
Personalized
Your number is unique to your lifestyle. Spend less = lower target = retire faster.
How to Calculate Your FIRE Number
THE FIRE NUMBER FORMULA
Annual Expenses × 25 = FIRE Number
Based on the 4% safe withdrawal rate. Withdraw 4% per year and your money lasts 30+ years.
The formula is simple: take your annual expenses and multiply by 25. This gives you the amount that, invested in a diversified portfolio, can sustain that spending level indefinitely.
Why 25? Because 25 is the inverse of 4% (1 ÷ 0.04 = 25). If you withdraw 4% of your portfolio each year, and your investments grow at ~7% on average, your money replenishes itself.
Quick Example
Your annual expenses: $50,000
Multiply by 25: $50,000 × 25
Your FIRE number: $1,250,000
With $1.25M invested, you can withdraw $50k/year (4%) to cover expenses.
FIRE Numbers by Spending Level
Your expenses determine your target. Here's what different lifestyles require:
Lean lifestyle
$30,000/year
$0.75M
Modest lifestyle
$40,000/year
$1.00M
Comfortable
$60,000/year
$1.50M
Upper middle
$80,000/year
$2.00M
Fat FIRE
$100,000/year
$2.50M
Luxury
$150,000/year
$3.75M
Lower expenses = lower FIRE number = faster path to freedom
Choosing Your Withdrawal Rate
The 4% rule is standard, but you can adjust based on your situation:
Types of FIRE
Your FIRE number depends on which path you choose:
Lean FIRE
$625k - $1M
Minimalist lifestyle under $40k/year. Fastest path to FI.
Regular FIRE
$1M - $1.5M
Comfortable $40-60k/year. The standard FIRE target.
Fat FIRE
$2.5M+
Luxurious $100k+/year. No lifestyle sacrifices.
Barista FIRE
$500k - $1M
Partial FI + part-time work. Semi-retire sooner.
Calculate your personal FIRE number
Enter your expenses and see exactly how much you need to retire early.
Open CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
What is a FIRE number?
Your FIRE number is the total amount you need invested to retire early and live off your investments. Once you reach this number, you can withdraw a safe percentage each year to cover living expenses indefinitely without working.
How do I calculate my FIRE number?
Multiply your annual expenses by 25. This is based on the 4% safe withdrawal rate - if you withdraw 4% of your investments per year, your money should last 30+ years. For example, $50,000/year expenses × 25 = $1.25 million FIRE number.
What is the 4% rule?
The 4% rule comes from the Trinity Study, which found that withdrawing 4% of your portfolio annually (adjusted for inflation) has historically lasted 30+ years. It's the foundation for calculating FIRE numbers.
Should I use 25x or a different multiplier?
Use 25x for a 4% withdrawal rate (standard). Use 33x for a more conservative 3% rate if retiring very young (40+ year retirement). Use 20x for a more aggressive 5% rate if you have other income sources.
Does my FIRE number include my house?
Typically no. Your FIRE number should be investable assets (stocks, bonds, retirement accounts) that generate returns. Your home is not liquid and doesn't produce income unless you sell it or rent it out.
How long does it take to reach your FIRE number?
It depends on your savings rate. At 50% savings rate, about 17 years. At 70% savings rate, about 8.5 years. The higher your savings rate, the faster you reach financial independence.
Can I achieve FIRE on an average income?
Yes. FIRE is more about your savings rate than your income. Someone earning $60,000 who saves 50% ($30,000/year) will reach FIRE faster than someone earning $150,000 who saves 10% ($15,000/year). The key is controlling expenses and maximizing the gap between income and spending.
What are the risks of retiring early with FIRE?
The main risks include: sequence of returns risk (market crash early in retirement), healthcare costs before Medicare eligibility at 65, inflation eroding purchasing power over a longer retirement, and lifestyle creep increasing expenses. Many FIRE practitioners mitigate these by using a more conservative 3-3.5% withdrawal rate or maintaining some part-time income.
What's your number?
Find out exactly how much you need to never work again.
Calculate Your FIRE NumberNot 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.