FIRE Calculator
Estimate a financial-independence target from annual expenses and a withdrawal rate, plus a rough timeline.
Inputs
Result
Visual breakdown
System view
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Formula
FI target = annual expenses ÷ withdrawal rate. At 4%, that's 25× expenses. Years to FI solves FV = current·(1+r)^t + savings·((1+r)^t − 1)/r for t. Assumes constant savings and return.
Example
$40,000/yr expenses ÷ 4% rule → $1,000,000 FI target. From $100k invested + $20k/yr at 7% ≈ 20–25 years.
Related: Savings rate · Net worth · Savings growth
How to use
- Use a realistic annual expense estimate — including taxes you'd pay in retirement.
- Use an after-fee, after-inflation real return (e.g. 4–7%) for honest projections.
- Lower withdrawal rates (3–3.5%) are more conservative; 4% is the common baseline.
When it's useful
- Setting a long-term FI target.
- Stress-testing different savings rates or returns.
- Tracking annual progress alongside net worth.
Common examples
Frequently asked
What is the 4% rule?
A historical guideline that a 4% inflation-adjusted withdrawal from a balanced portfolio has a high chance of lasting 30+ years. It's a starting point, not a guarantee.
Is this financial advice?
No. FIRE math relies on assumptions (returns, expenses, taxes) that won't match reality exactly. Treat outputs as ballpark targets.
Should I use real or nominal returns?
Use real (inflation-adjusted) returns if you also use today's-dollar expenses — that keeps the comparison apples-to-apples.
What about sequence-of-returns risk?
Not modeled here. A poor early-retirement market can shorten safe withdrawal duration; many planners use lower withdrawal rates as a buffer.
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More money & work →Educational only — not financial advice. Real outcomes depend on returns, taxes, fees, and life events.