FIRE Number Calculator
Find how much you need to retire early (FIRE) and how many years it will take.
What is a FIRE number?
FIRE stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early. Your FIRE number is the invested pot that can cover your spending forever. It equals yearly spending divided by the withdrawal rate. With the 4% rule that is 25 times your yearly spending.
How to get there sooner
Lower spending helps twice: you need a smaller pot and you can invest more. Raising income and keeping fees low also speed things up.
Worked example
Last reviewed November 2026. Formulas are standard and shown in the sections above; results are estimates.
Tips and common mistakes
- Track spending first, it drives the whole number.
- Use a lower withdrawal rate such as 3.5% if you retire very early.
- Account for healthcare costs.
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Is the 4% rule safe?
It is a guideline based on historic US data. Very long retirements may need a lower rate.
Does it include inflation?
The return you enter should be after inflation for best results.
Does it count Social Security?
No. Add it separately if you expect it.
Money guides for this topic
All guides →Investing for Beginners: A Simple Plan with the Numbers
A plain-English starter plan for investing: low-cost index funds, regular contributions and why fees matter.
Read guide →Will My Retirement Money Last? Understanding the Odds
Why a fixed 4% rule is only a starting point, what sequence-of-returns risk is, and how simulations show the chance of success.
Read guide →Compound Interest Explained (and Why Starting Early Wins)
How compound interest works, the rule of 72, and a simple example showing why time matters most.
Read guide →Related calculators
Retirement Savings Calculator
Estimate your retirement pot and the yearly income it could support using the 4% rule.
Open calculator →Roth vs Traditional IRA Calculator
Compare Roth and Traditional retirement accounts after tax, based on your tax rate now and in retirement.
Open calculator →401(k) Calculator with Employer Match
Project your 401(k) or workplace pension balance with salary growth and employer match.
Open calculator →Results are estimates and not financial advice.