FIRE Number Calculator
Annual spend ÷ withdrawal rate — the classic FIRE target, with an optional gap vs today’s portfolio. Click any i for detail.
Spending & withdrawal
Annual spending ($)
i
Spend
Expected yearly expenses in retirement / FI. |
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|---|---|
Safe withdrawal rate (%)
i
SWR
Common sketch: 4% (the 25× rule). |
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Current invested assets ($)
i
Now
Optional — shows the gap to your FIRE number. |
How to use this calculator
- Enter expected annual spending.
- Set a withdrawal rate (4% is the classic sketch).
- Optionally enter today’s portfolio.
- Read the target and remaining gap.
Results explained
The FIRE number is the portfolio that supports annual spending at a chosen safe withdrawal rate: spend ÷ (SWR/100). At 4%, that is the familiar 25× annual expenses rule. Sequence-of-returns risk, taxes, and healthcare costs are not modeled.
Quick reference: FIRE number
FIRE = annual spend ÷ (SWR / 100).
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| 4% SWR | 25 × annual spend |
| 3% SWR | ≈ 33.3 × spend |
| 3.5% SWR | ≈ 28.6 × spend |
| Gap | max(0, FIRE − current) |
Not investment advice — withdrawal rates are debated and personal.
How the estimate is built
FIRE = spend / (swr/100); gap = max(0, FIRE − current).
Example scenario
$60,000 spend at 4% → $1,500,000; with $200k saved, gap $1.3M.
FAQ
Is 4% guaranteed?
No. It is a historical rule of thumb, not a promise.
Include Social Security?
Reduce spend by expected pensions/SS if you want a portfolio-only target.
What about Coast FIRE?
See the Coast FIRE calculator for a different milestone.
Pre-tax or after-tax spend?
Use the spending dollars you expect to withdraw/spend each year.