FIRE Number & Years-to-FI Calculator
In short: Your FIRE number is the portfolio you need so that a safe annual withdrawal covers your spending forever. At a 4% withdrawal rate that is your annual expenses times 25. Saving aggressively and investing the difference is what shortens the years-to-FI, far more than chasing a higher return.
Source: IRS Notice 2025-67 (IR-2025-111). Data as of 2026 tax year.
These are estimates for general information, not financial advice. Verify figures with the IRS and a qualified professional before acting.
How it works
Your FIRE number is your annual spending multiplied by 25 (the inverse of a 4% safe withdrawal rate). Enter your spending, current savings, contributions and expected return to see your target and a years-to-financial-independence estimate. The result updates as you type and nothing leaves your device — every figure is computed in your browser.
2026 IRS limits used here
Source: IRS Notice 2025-67 (IR-2025-111). Announced November 2025; effective for the 2026 tax year. Data as of the 2026 tax year.
| 2026 limit | Amount |
|---|---|
| 401(k)/403(b)/457/TSP elective deferral | $24,500 |
| 401(k) catch-up (age 50+) | $8,000 (total $32,500) |
| 401(k) catch-up (ages 60–63) | $11,250 (total $35,750) |
| Combined employee + employer (415(c)) | $72,000 |
| IRA contribution (Roth or Traditional) | $7,500 |
| IRA catch-up (age 50+) | $1,100 (total $8,600) |
| Roth IRA phase-out — single | $153,000–$168,000 |
| Roth IRA phase-out — married filing jointly | $242,000–$252,000 |
Frequently asked questions
How is the FIRE number calculated?
Take your expected annual spending in retirement and multiply by 25. The multiple of 25 is the inverse of a 4% safe withdrawal rate (1 ÷ 0.04 = 25). For a more conservative 3.5% rate you would multiply by about 28.6 instead.
Does the FIRE number include Social Security or a pension?
No. This calculator targets a portfolio that funds your full spending. If you expect Social Security or a pension, you can subtract that guaranteed income from your annual spending before multiplying, which lowers the portfolio you need.
What return should I assume?
Many FIRE planners use a real (after-inflation) return of about 5–7% for a stock-heavy portfolio, which keeps the result in today's dollars. Using a nominal return without adjusting for inflation will overstate your progress.
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Last updated: 2026-06-14