Calculate your Coast FIRE number—the amount you need today so your investments grow to your FIRE number by retirement without additional contributions.
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Coast FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) is a milestone where you've saved enough that compound interest alone will grow your portfolio to your full FIRE number by retirement—no additional contributions required. This calculator helps you determine your Coast FIRE number and track your progress toward financial freedom.
Coast FIRE represents the point where your investments, left untouched, will compound to reach your FIRE number by your target retirement age. Unlike traditional FIRE which requires saving until you hit your number, Coast FIRE lets you downshift to lower-paying work, pursue passion projects, or simply reduce savings stress once reached.
Coast FIRE Formula
Coast FIRE = FIRE Number ÷ (1 + r)^nKnow when you can stop aggressive saving and enjoy life while staying on track for retirement.
Once at Coast FIRE, take lower-paying dream jobs, start a business, or reduce hours without jeopardizing retirement.
Coast FIRE is an achievable mid-point goal that keeps you motivated on your FIRE journey.
Understand how time and compound returns work together—the earlier you start, the less you need.
Reach Coast FIRE, then pursue teaching, non-profit work, or creative careers with lower pay.
Downshift to part-time while covering living expenses, letting investments grow untouched.
Start a business with less financial pressure—retirement is secured regardless of outcome.
Take a sabbatical or travel year knowing your retirement is on autopilot.
Regular FIRE means you've accumulated enough to cover all expenses indefinitely (typically 25× annual spending). Coast FIRE means you've saved enough that compound growth will get you to your FIRE number by retirement—you still need income for current expenses, but you can stop saving for retirement.
Coast FIRE = FIRE Number ÷ (1 + real return rate)^years until retirement. For example, if you need $1,000,000 at 60, retire at 30, and expect 5% real returns, you need $1,000,000 ÷ 1.05^30 = $231,377 to Coast FIRE at age 30.
Historically, US stock market returns average 7% after inflation. Conservative estimates use 5-6%. The calculator shows 'real return' which accounts for inflation. Using 7% nominal with 3% inflation gives 4% real return.
It depends on your goals. Continuing to save accelerates your FIRE date and provides a safety margin. Many use Coast FIRE to reduce savings intensity rather than stop completely—perhaps saving 10% instead of 50%.
Market volatility is why Coast FIRE calculations should use conservative return assumptions. Having a buffer above your Coast number, or continuing modest contributions, provides insurance against sequence risk.
They're similar concepts. Barista FIRE specifically refers to working enough (like at Starbucks) to cover health insurance and living expenses while investments grow. Coast FIRE is the mathematical milestone; Barista FIRE is a lifestyle strategy to reach it.