FIRE Calculator
Find your FIRE number, your savings rate and how many years it will take to reach financial independence and retire early.
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About the FIRE Calculator
FIRE stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early. Your FIRE number is the invested amount that can fund your spending indefinitely, often estimated as 25 times your annual expenses using the 4% rule. This calculator uses your income, spending, current savings and expected real return to estimate how many years it takes to get there.
How to use it
- Enter your annual take-home income and annual spending.
- Enter what you have invested, an expected real return and a withdrawal rate.
- Press Calculate FIRE to see your FIRE number, savings rate and years to independence.
How savings rate drives the timeline
| Savings rate | Approx. years to FIRE from zero (5% real return) |
|---|---|
| 10% | 51 |
| 25% | 32 |
| 50% | 17 |
| 65% | 10.5 |
| 75% | 7 |
FIRE tips
- Track every expense for a few months to know your true spending.
- Build an emergency fund before investing aggressively.
- Use tax-advantaged accounts such as a 401(k), IRA and HSA.
- Plan for healthcare costs before Medicare at 65.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my FIRE number?
Multiply your annual spending by 25, or divide it by your safe withdrawal rate. At $50,000 a year and 4%, the FIRE number is $1,250,000.
What is a good savings rate for FIRE?
Many people aim for 40% to 70%. Higher savings rates shorten the timeline dramatically.
Does this include Social Security?
No. Social Security and pensions can reduce the portfolio you need.
What is the 4% rule?
It suggests withdrawing 4% of your portfolio in year one and adjusting for inflation after that. It was designed for about 30 years of retirement.
Can I retire early with a 401(k)?
Yes, with planning. Options include Roth conversion ladders, taxable accounts and the rule of 55 for some plans.
Last reviewed: November 2026. Estimates only, not financial, tax or legal advice.