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Free · No-further-deposit scenario

Coast FIRE calculator

Estimate how much an invested portfolio would need today to reach a spending-based target by your chosen retirement age under a constant real-return assumption, with no further deposits. The scenario is not a forecast.

Example under stated assumptions · Snowballr calculation
About $141,000 today compounds to $1.5 million in 35 years at a fixed 7% real rate
This is a constant-rate calculation with no deposits, fees, taxes or volatility. The return is an input scenario, not a forecast.
The calculator lets you set spending, withdrawal rate, current age, target age and return assumption instead of relying on a fixed age-65 example.

Coast FIRE formula

Coast FIRE number = Retirement target ÷ (1 + real return)^(target age - current age)

Retirement target = annual spending ÷ initial withdrawal-rate assumption
The return is a fixed effective annual real-rate scenario.

This number shows what the selected fixed-rate model requires today if there are no later deposits. Actual returns and spending can differ, so reaching the modeled threshold does not guarantee the future target.

Coast FIRE number by age (targeting $1.5M at 65)

Current ageYears to 65Coast FIRE # (7%)Coast FIRE # (5%)
2540$100,000$213,000
3035$140,500$272,000
3530$197,000$347,000
4025$276,000$443,000
4520$388,000$565,000
5015$543,000$721,000

What the Coast FIRE scenario leaves out

The projection assumes a constant real return and no further deposits. It does not model market declines, fees, taxes, changing spending or income, and benefit eligibility. A portfolio above the modeled Coast number can still end below the target if actual conditions differ; rerun the scenario with different assumptions and decide whether contributions remain part of your plan.

Coast FIRE Calculator FAQ

What's Coast FIRE exactly?

Coast FIRE is a scenario where an existing portfolio could grow to a chosen future retirement target without additional deposits. The result depends on the target age, spending, withdrawal-rate and return assumptions; it is not a guarantee that saving can safely stop.

Coast FIRE vs Barista FIRE — what's the difference?

Coast FIRE models a future portfolio target with no further deposits. A Barista FIRE scenario models a spending gap partly covered by work income. Neither calculation establishes that one path is more achievable or appropriate.

How do I know I've hit Coast FIRE?

Compare your invested portfolio with the Coast number shown above. It is only a match under the current inputs and fixed-rate assumptions; it does not account for market volatility, fees, taxes or future changes in spending.

Should I stop saving completely at Coast FIRE?

The calculation only shows a no-deposit scenario. Whether to keep contributing depends on your goals, plan terms, risk tolerance and changing circumstances; compare more than one set of assumptions before making a decision.

What return rate should I use for Coast FIRE math?

There is no return input that is right for everyone. Use user-selected low, middle and high scenarios that reflect your own assumptions, and remember that actual returns vary and do not arrive in a smooth sequence. This tool does not recommend a rate.

What if the market drops 30% right after I hit Coast FIRE?

A fixed-return Coast calculation cannot model the order of market gains and losses. Rerun the tool with lower return assumptions and consider whether a spending adjustment or continued contributions would be feasible; no fixed cushion guarantees a result.

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Methodology and editorial standards

Each calculator uses its own inputs and method. Review the labels, units and assumption notes shown with the result. Costs, taxes, fees, benefits and other factors are not modeled unless the page or calculator explicitly says they are. A fixed-rate projection is a scenario, not a forecast or personalized recommendation.

The editorial standards explain how Snowballr reviews calculators and sources. The sources index links to references used across the site. To report an error or suggest a correction, use the contact page.