Coast FIRE Calculator
Coast FIRE means you have enough invested that, without adding another dollar, you'll hit your FIRE number by retirement age.
What Is Coast FIRE?
Coast FIRE is the point where your invested assets are sufficient that — without ever contributing another dollar — compound growth alone will carry your portfolio to your full retirement number by your target retirement age. Once you reach Coast FIRE, you only need income to cover current living expenses. No retirement saving required.
Formula: Coast FIRE = Full FIRE Number ÷ (1 + annual return)^years to retirement
Example: $1,500,000 FIRE number, age 35, retiring at 65 at 7% return: $1,500,000 ÷ (1.07)^30 = $196,700. With $196,700 invested today, you never need to save for retirement again.
Coast FIRE Numbers by Age (Retiring at 65, $60k/yr Expenses, 7% Return)
| Current Age | Years to 65 | Coast FIRE Number |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | 40 years | $91,700 |
| 30 | 35 years | $129,800 |
| 35 | 30 years | $196,700 |
| 40 | 25 years | $276,500 |
| 45 | 20 years | $388,900 |
| 50 | 15 years | $543,600 |
Why Coast FIRE Is Achievable Earlier Than Full FIRE
Full FIRE typically requires 15-25 years of aggressive saving. Coast FIRE — because the required amount is much smaller — is often reachable in 5-10 years of focused effort. Once reached, you can shift to lower-stress work, part-time employment, or a career change without jeopardizing retirement.
This milestone changes the psychology of work entirely: you work because you choose to, not because retirement depends on it.
Also useful: Full FIRE Number Calculator — see your complete retirement target.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if markets underperform after I reach Coast FIRE?
Lower-than-expected returns mean your portfolio may not reach the full FIRE number by your target date. Mitigation: use a conservative 6% return assumption instead of 7%, continue small contributions when possible, and remain open to working slightly longer if needed. Recalculate your Coast FIRE number annually.
What's the difference between Coast FIRE and Barista FIRE?
Coast FIRE is a portfolio milestone — you have enough invested to coast. Barista FIRE is a lifestyle choice — working part-time to cover current expenses while the portfolio grows. They often overlap: most Barista FIRE practitioners have reached their Coast FIRE number.
Can I withdraw from my portfolio after reaching Coast FIRE?
Doing so pushes you below your Coast FIRE number and may require resuming savings contributions. Maintain a separate emergency fund so your Coast FIRE portfolio remains untouched.
Should I use a 6% or 7% return assumption?
7% is a commonly used real return (above inflation) for a diversified equity portfolio. Use 6% for a conservative buffer — it raises your required Coast FIRE number but provides a meaningful safety margin if returns disappoint.