About
Free Tools for Financial Independence
We build calculators that help Americans plan their path to retirement -- with transparent math, no sign-up, and no paywalls. Calculator arithmetic runs in your browser. Hosting and third-party services have separate privacy practices.
Our Calculators
Coast FIRE Calculator
When can you stop saving and let growth do the rest?
Barista FIRE Calculator
How much to switch to part-time work?
Fat FIRE Calculator
Plan a comfortable early retirement.
Lean FIRE Calculator
Retire early on a frugal budget.
FERS Retirement Calculator
Federal employee pension + TSP projection.
Who maintains this website?
Coast FIRE Calculator is operated by an independent publisher, separate from government agencies and financial institutions. The Coast FIRE Calculator editorial team is responsible for the calculators, explanations and corrections published here. We implement formulas from official rules for tax, account and benefit tools, and identify our own assumptions for growth projections. Each tool provides its official sources and any recorded source-check date. Read the calculation methodology for formulas, defaults and limitations, and the editorial policy for how we maintain content. To report an error, email hello@coastfirecalculator.io with the page URL, a non-sensitive example and the official source. We reproduce the issue, check the applicable rule and correct the code or explanation when an error is confirmed. Read how this content is made for our use of AI assistants, pre-publication checks and correction process.
Our Methodology
We separate assumption-driven projections from rule-bound account, tax and benefit calculations. Official sources, worked examples and scope limits accompany the tools.
Safe Withdrawal Rate
Based on the Trinity Study (1998) and William Bengen's research. Default: 4% for a 30-year retirement.
Expected Returns
Default 7% annual return before inflation is an editable example assumption, not a forecast or a guarantee of conservative risk.
Inflation
Default 3% annual inflation is an editable planning assumption, not a prediction of your household costs.
FERS Calculations
Based on OPM's published FERS annuity formulas and current MRA tables.
Privacy First
Local math
Calculator fields are not intentionally submitted by the current calculator code. This does not mean visits transmit no technical data.
No accounts
No signup. No login. No email required.
Separate controls
Optional analytics is off until allowed. Google advertising consent is managed separately, as the Privacy Policy explains.
Full details: Privacy Policy
Disclaimer
This site is for educational purposes only. Not financial advice. Results are estimates. Investment returns are not guaranteed.
Consult a qualified, fee-only fiduciary financial advisor before making financial decisions.