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FIRE Number Calculator

Financial independence means having enough invested that the returns cover your spending — you work because you want to, not because you have to. Calculate your "number" and how long it takes to get there.

Your numbers

$

What you want to be able to spend each month.

%
%

The 4% rule is the common starting point.

$
$
% / year
%

Return above inflation.

Result

FIRE number
$1,200,000.00
the nest egg that funds your spending
Years to reach it
20
Annual expensesmonthly × 12
$48,000.00
Still needed
$1,150,000.00
Your financial independence target
ItemValue
Annual expenses$48000
FIRE number$1200000
Still needed$1150000
Time to reach it20 years
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How to find your number

Your FIRE number is the nest egg whose withdrawals cover your spending: number = annual expenses ÷ withdrawal rate. At $4,000 a month ($48,000 a year) and a 4% withdrawal rate, the number is $1,200,000. Withdraw only that share each year and the principal can, in theory, last indefinitely.

The 4% rule and 25× expenses

A popular shortcut is the 4% rule: save 25× your annual expenses and withdraw 4% a year. That is the same as a 4% withdrawal rate. More conservative rates (3–3.5%) survive bad markets better; higher rates raise the risk of running out. Adjust the rate to your comfort.

How long it takes

With monthly investing growing at the real return you enter, the calculator projects how many years your current investments plus contributions reach the target. Investing more or spending less shortens the path dramatically — the savings rate matters more than the return. Use a real return (above inflation); this is an educational estimate.

Informational and educational result. Not a substitute for professional advice.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

  • The 4% rule / Trinity Study (concept)

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