FIRE Calculator
Calculate your FIRE number, years to financial independence, and safe withdrawal amount using the 4% rule.
Enter Your Values
Using shared profile · 3,500/mo · EUR — edit on Dashboard
Results update automatically as you change values.
What-If Scenarios
Results update instantlyCost Breakdown
Path to FIRE
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FIRE Number Breakdown
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Side-by-Side Comparison
Bars show relative size · ✓ marks the better option- FIRE Number
- €1,715,946
- Years to FIRE
- 28 years
- Monthly Savings
- €1,500
- FIRE Age
- 58
- Monthly Expenses at FIRE
- €2,500
- FIRE Number
- €1,715,946
- Years to FIRE
- 25 years
- Monthly Savings
- €1,650
- FIRE Age
- 55
- Monthly Expenses at FIRE
- €2,500
- FIRE Number
- €1,372,757
- Years to FIRE
- 20 years
- Monthly Savings
- €1,000
- FIRE Age
- 53
- Monthly Expenses at FIRE
- €2,000
| Factor | Recommended Current Plan | Save 10% More Best Value | Lean FIRE (80%) Most Flexible |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIRE Number | €1,715,946 | €1,715,946 | €1,372,757 |
| Years to FIRE | 28 years | 25 years | 20 years |
| Monthly Savings | €1,500 | €1,650 | €1,000 |
| FIRE Age | 58 | 55 | 53 |
| Monthly Expenses at FIRE | €2,500 | €2,500 | €2,000 |
You need €1715946 to retire (4% of €30000/yr expenses). With €50000 saved and €1500/month contributions at 7% return, you reach FIRE in 28 years at age 58. Your 38% savings rate is solid. Saving 10% more cuts ~3 years off. Lean FIRE at 80% expenses reaches freedom faster with less.
Scenario Analysis
How the outcome shifts if your assumptions turn out better or worse than expected.
2% higher investment return
At stated values
2% lower returns + higher inflation
Compare Scenarios
Pin up to 3 and see them side by sideSet your inputs, then Pin current to save this scenario. Pin a few variations to compare their scores and outcomes here.
What Moves the Needle Most
How much each factor changes your FIRE Number across its full range. Investment Return has the biggest impact.
Focus your attention on Investment Return — getting it right matters most. Factors lower down move the result less, so rough estimates there are fine.
Confidence & Assumptions
These are the estimates the result depends on. Adjust them (and the Advanced inputs) to match your real situation — the closer they are to reality, the more reliable your decision.
These estimates are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Actual results may vary based on factors not captured in this calculator.
How This Calculator Works
What this calculator does
This calculator determines how much you need to retire (your FIRE number) and how many years until you reach financial independence based on your savings rate and investment returns.
How the calculation works
FIRE number = Annual Expenses ÷ Withdrawal Rate (typically 4%). We project your portfolio growth year-by-year with contributions and returns until it reaches the inflation-adjusted target.
Formula
FIRE Number = Annual Expenses / Withdrawal Rate
Years to FIRE: simulate until Portfolio ≥ FIRE Number
Portfolio_t = Portfolio_{t-1} × (1 + r) + Annual SavingsSources & defaults
- Trinity Study / 4% rule research
FIRE withdrawal defaults follow the classic safe-withdrawal framework
- Historical equity risk premium literature
Long-run stock/SIP defaults ~7–12% nominal before fees/tax — not a forecast
- Eurostat / national CPI
Default inflation ~2–3% unless you override it
Example
€2,500/month expenses, 4% withdrawal: FIRE number = €750,000. With €50,000 saved, €1,500/month at 7% return: ~18 years to FIRE at age 48.
How to Use This Calculator
- 1Enter your numbers
Fill in the inputs for FIRE Calculator. Defaults are realistic starting points — replace them with your actual figures.
- 2Understand the calculation
FIRE number = Annual Expenses ÷ Withdrawal Rate (typically 4%). We project your portfolio growth year-by-year with contributions and returns until it reaches the inflation-adjusted target.
- 3Review results and scenarios
Check metrics, cost breakdown, comparison tables, and best / expected / worst scenarios. Use sliders to stress-test assumptions.
- 4Decide with the verdict
Read the decision engine recommendation and FAQ. Example: €2,500/month expenses, 4% withdrawal: FIRE number = €750,000. With €50,000 saved, €1,500/month at 7% return: ~18 years to FIRE at age 48.
Factors to Consider
- The 4% rule is based on 30-year US market history — not guaranteed
- Healthcare costs before public retirement age are a major expense
- A 50%+ savings rate enables FIRE in 15-17 years
- Lean FIRE (lower expenses) vs Fat FIRE (comfortable lifestyle)
- Geographic arbitrage can dramatically reduce your FIRE number
Common Mistakes
- Using current expenses without accounting for inflation
- Ignoring taxes on retirement account withdrawals
- Assuming 10%+ investment returns consistently
- Not budgeting for healthcare, home repairs, or one-time costs
- Quitting before building an emergency fund
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 4% rule?+
Withdraw 4% of your portfolio in year one of retirement, then adjust for inflation. Historically, this lasted 30+ years in US markets. Many use 3.5% for extra safety.
What savings rate do I need for FIRE?+
At 50% savings rate, ~17 years to FIRE. At 65%, ~10 years. At 25%, ~32 years. Higher savings rate is the fastest lever.
What is Coast FIRE?+
When your existing portfolio will grow to your FIRE number by traditional retirement age without further contributions. You only need to cover current expenses.
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important financial decisions.
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