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Coast FIRE calculator
Coast FIRE: invest enough early that compound growth alone reaches full FIRE by age 65 — without saving another dollar. See your Coast FIRE number by current age.
Coast FIRE formula
Coast FIRE # = Full FIRE # ÷ (1 + r)^(65 − age) Full FIRE # = 25 × annual retirement spending r = annual real return (use 0.07 for 7%)
Hit your Coast FIRE number once and compound finishes the job — you only need to cover today's expenses, never save for retirement again.
Coast FIRE number by age (targeting $1.5M at 65)
| Current age | Years to 65 | Coast FIRE # (7%) | Coast FIRE # (5%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 40 | $100,000 | $213,000 |
| 30 | 35 | $140,500 | $272,000 |
| 35 | 30 | $197,000 | $347,000 |
| 40 | 25 | $276,000 | $443,000 |
| 45 | 20 | $388,000 | $565,000 |
| 50 | 15 | $543,000 | $721,000 |
Why Coast FIRE works
Late-career compounding does most of the heavy lifting. A $100k portfolio at age 25, untouched, grows to ~$1.5M by 65 at 7% real returns. Once you hit the threshold, you can downshift to a lower-stress job, freelance, raise kids, travel — anything covering today's expenses. The retirement portfolio runs itself.
Coast FIRE Calculator FAQ
What's Coast FIRE exactly?
The portfolio threshold where, without adding another dollar, compound growth alone gets you to a full FIRE number by age 65 (or your target retirement age). Once you hit Coast FIRE, you're free to stop saving and only cover current expenses.
Coast FIRE vs Barista FIRE — what's the difference?
Coast FIRE = you no longer need to save for retirement; you cover current expenses however you like. Barista FIRE = you specifically need a job (often part-time) to cover expenses + health insurance. Coast is a portfolio milestone; Barista is a lifestyle choice that often happens at Coast FIRE.
How do I know I've hit Coast FIRE?
Compare your current invested portfolio to your Coast FIRE number (Full FIRE ÷ (1+r)^(years to retirement)). When you exceed it, congrats — you're coasting. Most online calculators (this one included) compute it directly.
Should I stop saving completely at Coast FIRE?
Not necessarily. Many keep saving the employer match (free money) and use the rest for lifestyle upgrades or career flexibility. The point is you don't need to save — choice is unlocked. Hardcore Coast folks redirect 100% of formerly-saved income to time, hobbies, or kids.
What return rate should I use for Coast FIRE math?
Use 7% real (inflation-adjusted) for stocks, 5% real for a 60/40 balanced portfolio, or 4% real for conservative planning. Lower assumptions = higher Coast FIRE number = safer. Many planners use 5% to stay conservative for 30+ year projections.
What if the market drops 30% right after I hit Coast FIRE?
Risk worth planning for. If you stop saving entirely and immediately hit a bear market, you may dip below Coast FIRE temporarily. Solutions: (1) keep a 1–2 year cash buffer; (2) be willing to resume contributions in bad years; (3) push Coast target up by 20% for cushion.